On Monday, 20 June 2011 Ms. Irina Bokova, Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO and the GRF Davos Foundation’s President Dr. Walter Ammann met in Paris, France to formalize and extend the long-standing cooperation between the two institutions.

A Letter of Intent was signed with the purpose to provide a framework of cooperation and to facilitate collaboration between the Parties, advocating a strong link between research and policy practice to enhance disaster risk reduction through partnerships between government, civil society, the private sector and academia. The future collaboration of the parties will focus on disaster reduction research applications for the benefit of society and the environment, and to promote learning and capacity-building in disaster and risk management, notably in developing countries.

In line with UNESCO's fields of competence in capacity building, exchange of experience and knowledge in disaster and risk management the Global Risk Forum Davos, forms a significant facility promoting knowledge and experience transfer in favour of individuals, associations and expert institutions engaged in disaster and risk management.

Related links:

UNESCO Homepage

Disaster Prepardeness and Mitigation at UNESCO