Only two countries have actually handed financial contributions over to the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, a World Bank led initiative aimed at helping poorer governments to integrate disaster risk reduction strategies in development processes at the country and local levels.

More than $50 million has been pledged by various countries but, according to the latest statement, only the UK ($8 million) and Switzerland ($0.85 million) have actually put their hands in their treasury pockets.

Payments are expected from Australia, Denmark, Japan, Canada, Spain and Sweden. No other country has yet to commit to a financial contribution.

The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery has three key guiding principles:

* The new United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) system provides coherent and coordinated approach among all global stakeholders for disaster reduction and recovery.

* The ongoing ISDR processes, particularly joint work programs, strengthen global advocacy, knowledge sharing, and partnerships in disaster reduction.

* The focus of the facility is on building capacities at local and national levels.

www.gfdrr.org

•Date: 11th July 2007• Region: UK/World •Type: Article •Topic: DR general
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