Earthquakes, floods, landslides, debris flows, avalanches, droughts, mudslides, and extreme temperatures: the effect of climate change needs a holistic approach to disaster risk to mitigate the worst impacts of the biological hazards. The 2021 European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (Matosinhos, Portugal, 24 - 26 November), will highlight the need to address the systemic, cascading and compound nature of risks, especially in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and climate emergency.

The event (agenda) is organised by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in co-operation with the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement of the Council of Europe, the Portuguese National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection, and the European Commission.

The Forum, an important vehicle to address the European disaster risk challenges, serves as a platform for stakeholders to take a shared responsibility and make actionable commitments to reduce disaster risk. The conference, true to the multi-stakeholder spirit of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, enables governments and experts to exchange experiences on successful practices and innovative approaches to prevent, reduce and manage disaster risk.

Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge will deliver a video message.