This international event has attracted some 900 delegates from 50 countries. It allowed the sharing of expertise, to develop networks of contacts and pursue the implementation of the Sendai Framework. Furthermore, the main focus of RPA was to discuss how governments, ministers, civil society leaders, technical and scientific institutions, the private sector, media could drive the implementation and measurement of the expected outcomes of the Sendai Framework in the Americas. We believe that our diverse and dynamic group of speakers and panelists provided in-depth insight into innovative DRR tools and initiatives. Through the 13 sessions, the side events, the Ignite stage, the Public Forum, the Market Place, the Indigenous cultural performance and the Youth Video Challenge, the RPA succeeded to bring together the whole-of-society to discuss DRR. One of the measurable outcomes planned for this event was to have the first ever Regional Action Plan for the Americas adopted along with the Declaration of Montreal. The adoption of these two documents marks a historic moment of regional collaboration and commitment towards advancing the Sendai Framework 2015-2030. It was because of everyone’s contributions and respect for the open dialogue that took place over many months of consultations that we were able to advance such foundational products which will guide our efforts to reduce disaster risk in the coming months until the next Regional Platform.
Nathan’s Role was to build a network with governments, third sector and communities working with Natural Hazards and Indigenous topics worldwide.
Nathan S. Debortoli, PhD., 