SASAKAWA AWARD FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION 8.07.2014

Local governments have an important role to play in disaster risk reduction (DRR), as well as in raising awareness and consciousness among their citizens in order to reduce risks, by ensuring the provision of essential services and their proximity to citizens.

The decentralization of political and technical powers is therefore a prerequisite that is vital in giving local authorities the means to act. UCLG recognises this and has adopted a position on disaster risk reduction, reaffirming the commitment of local authorities throughout the world to anticipate and reduce disasters and to act, if necessary, when faced with humanitarian crises.

UCLG encourages its members to take part in the Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction is now open for applications until the 31st October 2014. The award aims to recognise communities, individuals, local and national governments, civil society and private sector organizations, under the theme "Shaping the Future". UCLG strongly encourage its members to send their candidatures to demonstrate the potential for action of local governments in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Award’s jury has identified six essential characteristics to take into consideration:

Being agents of change
Often acts ahead
Shows willingness to tackle uncertainty
Is skillful at managing resources
Practices inclusiveness
Listens to new voices

The winner will be announced and the Award presented at the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held in Sendai, Japan, on 17th March 2015.

UCLG is appointed as Co-Organizing Partner for this Conference, which will aim to review the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action, showcase risk reduction strategies set up at regional and national levels, and adopt a framework for action for Post-2015.

To submit a nomination or to get more information about the Award, please visit the following website: www.wcdrr.org.

When submitting your proposal, don't forget to inform the UCLG World Secretariat at the following email address: m.boussraoui@uclg.org

Want to help us spread the word? Tweet #Sasakawa2015!

KEY DATES FOR APPLICATIONS: