In an increasingly connected world, governments, civil society, academic institutes, international agencies and people in general have realized the need to prevent loss of lives, livelihoods and development gains due to natural disasters. It has also been recognized that every $ spent on preparedness saves upto $7 in relief and rehabilitation.

Savings through disaster prevention, and investments in disaster risk reduction' were at the top of the agenda as International experts on disaster management converged for an international conference on Disaster Risk Reduction at New Delhi today. The conference, organized by SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) and Kyoto University, is supported by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Management and the National Disaster Management Authority.

In a special video message from the Untied Nations, Salvano Briceno, the Director of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction said that "While it has constantly been recognized that efforts in risk reduction lead to much higher savings in response, actual strategies on such investments need to be further developed. In an environment of global economic instability such a strategy and commitment for working on disaster risk reduction becomes even more critical"

General N.C. Vij, Vice-Chairman of India's National Disaster Management Authority, inaugurated the conference and emphasized on the need for public awareness and the significant role played by NGOs, which the government need to build on.

Prof. Tsuneo Katayama, President, International Association for Earthquake Engineering emphasized that it high time to consider direct investments in terms of both human and financial resources and their proper allocation in reducing the impactsof natural disasters.

Prof. S. Ramachandran, Vice Chancellor of University of Madras, spoke of the need for the academic sector to take a frontline role in the fight against disasters.

A kit of special publications on climate change was launched at the conference. The kit provides various knowledge tools targeting children and communities for reducing the risk of climate related disasters, and for mitigating and adapting to climate change. A book on disaster management and a report on Climate Disaster Resilience Initiative for Asian Coastal Cities were also released at the conference.

Over one hundred experts from governments, civil society, academic institutes, international agencies and corporate sector across the world will deliberate the themes of climate change, safety of lifeline building like schools and hospitals, making of cities and villages safe, education for disaster prevention, training and awareness of citizens and local communities and partnerships for disaster reduction over the next two days.