Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2022: Our World at Risk: Transforming Governance for a Resilient Future

Governance systems must evolve to address the systemic risks of the future, such as disaster impacts, economic loss, and poverty, and to transform systems to build resilience and reduce vulnerability, exposure, and inequality.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2022
Publisher: United Nations

The central question for this year's report is how governance systems can evolve to better address the systemic risks of the future. In today's crowded and interconnected world, disaster impacts increasingly cascade across geographies and sectors, as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change are rapidly making clear. Despite progress, risk creation is outstripping risk reduction. Disasters, economic loss, and the underlying vulnerabilities that drive risk, such as poverty and inequality, are increasing just as ecosystems and biospheres are at risk of collapse.

The report highlights that:

a) The climate emergency and the systemic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic point to a new reality;
b) Understanding and reducing risk in a world of uncertainty is fundamental to achieving genuinely sustainable development; and
c) The best defense against future shocks is to transform systems now, to build resilience by addressing climate change, and to reduce the vulnerability, exposure, and inequality that drive disasters.

The report also identifies key challenges and opportunities for governance systems to evolve in response to these risks. These include:

a) Strengthening governance institutions and processes to better manage risk and respond to disasters;
b) Promoting inclusive and equitable governance that addresses the needs and vulnerabilities of all communities;
c) Investing in climate adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change;
d) Developing new risk management tools and approaches that take into account the interconnectedness of systems and the complexity of social and economic dynamics;
e) Enhancing international cooperation and coordination to address global challenges such as climate change and pandemics; and
f) Promoting public awareness and education about risk management and resilience building.

To achieve these goals, the report calls for a multi-stakeholder approach that involves governments, the private sector, civil society, and the international community. It emphasizes the importance of building resilience by addressing climate change, reducing vulnerability, and promoting equity and social justice.

In conclusion, the report highlights the urgent need for governance systems to evolve to better address the systemic risks of the future. By strengthening institutions, promoting inclusive and equitable governance, investing in climate adaptation and mitigation measures, developing new risk management tools, enhancing international cooperation, and promoting public awareness and education, we can build a more resilient and sustainable world that is better equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789212320281