Deadline 30 November - Youth Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2012, 18 - 21 December, Republic of Moldova

Youth Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2012
18 - 21 December
National Center Labour Institute
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

The Youth Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is an academic event gathering young people who will develop and exercise their knowledge in DRR and climate change, as a tool of awareness raising, knowledge sharing and involvement of young people in DRR policies and will take place in a green area at the National Center Labour Institute from Chisinau, Republic of Moldova on 18-21 December 2012.

The objective of the event is to generate debate and innovative ideas attracting young people to promote and strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.

The Conference will allow students to become active participants rather than passive observers, thus reaffirming the fact that “an informed and motivated citizenry will ensure good governance on DPR, and good governance will thrive on the input of proactive citizens” (Children on the Frontline: “Children and Young People in Disaster Risk Reduction”).

Moreover, the recognition by adult stakeholders that young people are often willing and interested to learn and subsequently use their knowledge to contribute to DRR, is crucial. That is why engaging young people in an active learning and discussion format perfectly relates to the objectives of the Hyogo Priority Action 3 (Education, information and public awareness), as well as the overall mission of CRRDSC (promotion of disaster management and climate change adaptation to individuals, communities and organizations, with the aim of reducing the risk, impact and cost of natural, human-induced and technological disasters).

Eligibility
Current undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates aged 16-30 from all countries, with an outstanding knowledge of English and a good understanding on DRR and Climate Change.

The goal of The Youth Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2012 is to provide young people with different backgrounds the necessary knowledge and tools to address disaster risk reduction and climate change and agree on common solutions through dialogue and cooperation, aimed at developing awareness of these global problems that cross borders.

At the same time, this interactive meeting brings together different perspectives – international, national and local – to generate dialogue and innovative thinking on actions required to accelerate implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action at the local level.

Moreover, The Youth Platform will provide the framework for students to develop their negotiation, public speaking, and presentation skills, and will allow them to appreciate the subtleties and complexities of DRR and climate change. Students will learn to strategize, listen, and work toward a compromise in a dynamic environment.

Conference Topics
The Youth Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2012 (18-21 December) will include:
- Opening and Closing Ceremony (Both opening and closing ceremonies will include keynote speakers from invited national/international dignitaries and officials from the Government );
- 4 Plenary Sessions and 8 roundtables following the plenaries, which will integrate 4 different agenda topics. The Panel Experts of the plenaries will provide concrete recommendations of how Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation at the Local Level can become more effective.

Agenda 1:
Risk Reduction Measures: mitigation, preparedness and advocacy (1st Day)
Plenary Session 1: Risk Reduction Measures: mitigation, preparedness and advocacy
Roundtable 1: Early warning systems
Roundtable 2: Risk assessment – hazard and vulnerability analysis

Agenda 2:
The Hyogo Framework of Action (2d Day)
Plenary Session 2: Implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action
Roundtable 3– Disaster Risk Reduction: From policy to local action
Roundtable 4– The need for a multi-sectoral National platform for disaster risk reduction

Agenda 3:
Rethinking Reconstruction for a safer future (3d Day)
Plenary Session 3: Rethinking Reconstruction for a safer future
Roundtable 5- Responding to Natural Disasters, Post-Disasters in Fragile and Conflict Situations, Protecting and Empowering Vulnerable Groups in Recovery
Roundtable 6: Environmentally Sustainable Recovery

Agenda 4:
Reducing Risk in a Changing Climate (4t Day)
Plenary Sessions 4: Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Alliances for Resilience
Roundtable 7: Reducing Risk in a Changing Climate
Roundtable 8: Role of Ecosystems Management in Climate Change Adaptation and DRR

Registration & Fees
- Priority (Early-bird) registration: deadline 31 Julie 2012,
- Late (Full) registration: deadline 30 November 2012

The amount of registration fees are:
- Priority (Early-bird) Registration - US$ 360,
- Late(Full) Registration - US$ 460

For participants from Romania and CIS countries the amount of registration fees are:
- Priority (Early-bird) Registration - US$ 260,
- Late(Full) Registration - US$ 360

For participants from Republic of Moldova including the Transnistrian region and UTA Gagauz-yeri registration fees are free.

The registration fees for participants includes:
Accommodation for 5 nights ( meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Welcome Cocktail
Admission to all sessions of the conference
Coffee breaks during the conference
Tour and excursion
Opening Gala Fourchette
Official Closing traditional-style dinner
Book(s) of abstracts
Conference Bag

For further information and registratoins, please visit the event's website