Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Toward a Society Wherein All People Can Choose How They Live: A Report from a Panel of World BOSAI Forum 2023

Abstract

This report is summary of a panel discussion at the World BOSAI Forum held in Sendai in 2023. We invited panelists with diverse backgrounds from the inclusion and diversity frontlines and were able to document their experiences. The panel included a mental health specialist, an employee of a UN agency, working on sexual and reproductive health, a musical producer, persons with disabilities working for the independence of disabled people (a local NGO staff), and a young undergraduate student. First, it was shared that the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in times of disaster is already deemed a responsibility to be implemented by each country as per the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2006. Second, to realize “no one will be left behind,” including women, sexual minorities, and children, three issues, i.e., who is assisting, the importance of human dignity, and the values of arts and culture, as well as two key approaches, i.e., mainstream and targeted actions, were presented. Additionally, the importance of reflecting on the above in national and regional planning during times of normalcy was clarified. All citizens, especially those engaged in the sector of disaster risk reduction, need to learn the frontline of discussions and initiatives on human rights and welfare as well as to reflect on policy and regional planning. This is essential for reducing vulnerability to disasters and building a resilient society.