Fourth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction was convened from May 19 to 23 in Geneva, Switzerland. The event brought together around 3,000 participants from close to 200 countries.

The Armenian delegation was led by the Minister of Emergency Situations, Armen Yeritsyan. But aside from taking part in the general discussions, the minister also held several meetings, delivered presentations, attended a presentation and a ministers’ roundtable discussion, and paid visits.      

First, Yeritsyan met with the heads of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery. During his talk with Jo Scheuer—the Coordinator, Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery Team Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, UNDP New York—Scheuer underscored Armenia’s Disaster Risk Reduction work, and noted that Armenia’s respective track-record is considered to be the best.

Thanking for the assistance that is provided, Yeritsyan presented the work that is carried out in Armenia and the prospects for development.

“We have fourteen target countries, and Armenia will remain in this list,” Jo Scheuer added, in his turn. 

Next, Armenia’s Emergency Situations minister attended a donors’ meeting, titled “The Role of Disaster Risk Countries in Prevention and Preparedness,” where he delivered a respective presentation devoted to Armenia.        

Armen Yeritsyan also met with Margareta Wahlström, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“Two years have passed since our last meeting, but you [i.e., Armenia] are moving forward with huge steps. Your progress can be used as a regional model. I am very happy and encouraged that you include people with disabilities in your activities. This is a very welcome step, and I would suggest to you to act as an international ambassador in other countries, [and] to introduce your knowhow,” the UN Secretary-General’s special representative noted.