INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION - Making Youth Partners for Disaster Risk Reduction
12 Oct 2011
Today is the International Day for Disaster Reduction GRF Davos steps up to raise awareness about what we all can do to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and other disasters.
In 2011, the International Day for Disaster Reduction focuses on children and young people. Although it is widely acknowledged that effective risk management must involve those most at risk, all too often the potential contribution of children is overlooked. Children are repeatedly portrayed as victims of disaster and climate change. This year, for its primary activity of the Day, UNISDR calls on children and youth from all around the world to “Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction”. Step up now and support the UNISDR in raising awareness.
GRF Davos is contributing to Disaster Risk Reduction with its ongoing activities, e.g. with events such as the Disaster Emergency Surgery Workshop or the IDRC Davos 2012.
Are you prepared for the unexpected? - Business Continuity Summit 2011
16 Aug 2011
Nowadays no one can afford business downtime. But as recent incidents proof major disruptions happen regularly. There will never be a 100-percent safety against such disruptions but if integrative risk management is applied the residual risk remains calculable. To maintain business continuity in any case shall be the main purpose of entrepreneurs’ and executives’ actions.
The GRF Business Continuity Summit is all about keeping you at the cutting edge of business continuity management. The Summit to be held in Zurich, Switzerland from 15 -16 September 2011 is organized by the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos in close collaboration with the International Labour Organisation ILO and under the Patronage of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich gives guidance and recommendations on how to effectively prepare for and manage a mega catastrophe along the premises of Integrative Risk Management. Thematic sessions, keynote lectures, experience reports, event analysis and panel discussions will focus on lessons to be learned, on dealing with tail risks, risk communication, reputation loss, the consequences for investment funds, and insurability.
Register now and take advantage of the premium registration fee of only CHF 590.00 incl. all session, coffee breaks, networking lunch and dinner. >>> further information
GRF One Health Summit 2012 - Call for Contributions now open!
17 May 2011
The call for contributions for the GRF One Health Summit 2012 is now open until November 30, 2011. You are invited to submit an abstract for an oral or poster presentation relating to the topics of the GRF One Health Summit 2012.
The GRF One Health Summit 2012 will contribute to advancing the concept of “One Health” – which strives for intensive collaboration among all stakeholders related to public health – with elements of integrative risk management throughout the whole risk cycle. As today’s health risk management requires to be dealt with from a holistic perspective that acknowledges the systemic interconnections of human, animal and environmental health in close relation with food safety and security, only such an integrative approach will ensure sustainable public health in an era of climate change, resource depletion, land degradation, food insecurity and development challenges. >>>read more
Risk Award announced at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction
13 May 2011
The first IDRC Risk Award was announced on Friday,13 May 2011 by the award partners at the Third Session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk reduction in Geneva.
Particularly concerned by the accumulation of risks resulting from population growth, environmental and climate change, the awards partners will give priority to projects that focus on improving infrastructure and technical systems at grassroots level that are at immediate risks when disaster happen. For the first time, Munich Re Foundation, the Global Risk Forum and United Nations secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) join forces and offer €100,000 to a risk reduction project that will contribute to increasing people’s resilience to disasters, especially in developing communities which are most at risk.>>> read more
GRF Davos @ the Global Platform for Disaster Reduction 2011
28 Apr 2011
08 – 13 May 2011 in Geneva, Switzerland
On Tuesday, 10 May, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon opened the Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Reduction in Geneva, which is being attended by approximately 3,000 participants, including representatives from over 170 governments, 20 ministers and 30 mayors, and 100 non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Throughout the day, participants met in high-level plenary sessions, roundtables on preparedness, nuclear emergencies, local action and wildfire risk, as well as a dialogue with parliamentarians and mayors and a briefing on the 2011 Global Assessment Report.
GRF Davos is represented by Dr. Walter Ammann, Dr. Marco Ferrari, Professor David Alexander, Marc Stal and Madeleine Colbert at the 3rd Session, which is held under the overall theme: Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow – Increased Investment in Local Action, focuses on the inclusion of the World Reconstruction Conference (hosted by the World Bank).
In addition to an exhibition booth GRF Davos was asked for active participation in several sessions and conducted a joint side event on “Science meets Practice – How can Science Contribute to Risk Reduction, Disaster Management and Climate Change Adaptation?” on Wednesday, 11 May 2011. Further information, pictures and impressions on GRF Davos' activities and the Global Platform in general can be found >>>here.
Sharing Practical Know-How for Improved Risk Management
10 May 2011
GRF Davos is now fostering the integrative risk management approach on a global scale with a new e-journal called Planet@Risk. GRF Davos is glad to announce the launch of its new online journal for the coming fall 2011.
In addition to scientific articles, GRF Davos' new e-journal will be featuring information gathered from informal ‘grey literature’, governmental, scientific or NGO reports, case studies and reviews – mostly representing data and material which is up to now difficult to access and quality-wise often hard to judge. By swiftly collecting and pooling different types of literature that has not explicitly been prepared for scientific publishing, valuable information is put into use, made accessible and even citable as part of an interdisciplinary knowledge pool for the risk reduction and disaster management community. >>> read more
Project Call in Support of the Japanese People
28 Apr 2011
The current situation in Japan calls for international support. Although there are already numerous activities to mitigate the impacts, reconstruct and recover from the disaster, more action is required to support the Japanese people in their struggle to recover from the current situation and be prepared for future events.
Donors have approached GRF Davos asking us if we would know about projects in the devastated areas of Japan which are necessary and worthwhile to be supported. GRF Davos therefore has decided to launch a call for project proposals which will be evaluated and submitted to potential donors as a pre-selection for their own decision making process. >>> further information
Tornados in the USA are claiming more and more lives
28 Apr 2011
The death toll caused by the severe storms in the U.S. continues to rise. According to recent information at least 70 people were killed. Alone in Alabama at least 50 people died.
In Mississippi and Arkansas were at least eleven deaths reported, three other people were killed in Missouri and Tennessee. Meanwhile a state of emergency was declared in seven states in the midwest and southern U.S..
The National Weather Service reported more than 110 tornadoes since Wednesday afternoon. On Tuesday around 50 tornadoes had swept through the area, in some areas fell within three days 45 inches of rain. There are still severe weather warnings for many states.
Considering the massive destruction, U.S. President Barack Obama has ordered urgent assistance for the most affected state of Alabama. The full extent of the damage is not predictable at this time. >>> read more
Wild fires in the U.S. state of Texas
21 Apr 2011
Thousands of square kilometers of forest are on fire in the U.S. state of Texas. The fierce fires threaten residential areas.
Persistent drought and unfavorable winds are the reason why the fires spread from the west of Texas also to the east, where they now threaten more residential areas. According to the authorities are almost 150 000 square kilometers more than 600 homes affected, dozens have already been destroyed. 90 percent of the Texas Natural Park Possum Kingdom State Park were also destroyed by fires.>>> read more
Dubai International humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2011)
01 Apr 2011
28 – 30 March 2011 in Dubai
Dubai International humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD 2011) concluded its eighth edition on Wednesday 30 March 2011 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
DIHAD 2011 aimed to contribute through dialogue on a number of pressing issues affecting the humanitarian domain and communities in need.
The Foundation GRF Davos was represented by its president, Dr. Walter J. Ammann, who was invited to participated in the panel session on ‘How new technologies are assisting disaster-prone countries with capacity-building and preparedness’. >>> read more
On occasion of the UN World Water Day 2011
21 Mar 2011
Water - the source of all life - poses major global challenges. As many get hit unpreparedly and hard by tidal waves, an even bigger part of the world's population suffers from water scarcity. 950 million people have no clean drinking water and 2.5 billion lack sanitation facilities and latrines. Due to the absence of safe water and sanitation, an average of 5000 children die each day. Especially in urban environments the scarcity of clean drinking water keeps increasing.
In 1993, March 22nd was declared annual UN World Water Day. Ever since, UN Member States are invited to take this day as an opportunity to introduce UN recommendations and promote tangible actions within their countries.
Currently about half of the world's population lives in urban areas. And it keeps growing at a past of two persons per second. In many countries the urban population is increasing faster than the water infrastructure can be expanded. World Water Day 2011 under the theme "Water for Cities: Responding to urban challenges" is therefore an urgent call for action.
Aiming to draw the world's attention towards the growing and complicated tasks of water and sanitation management in cities the World Water Day 2011 encourages governments, organisations, local communities and individuals to get engaged to improve the current situation. >>> read more
M9.0 earthquake shatters northern Japan and causes a series of tsunamis
11 Mar 2011
11 March 2011 in Japan
On Friday morning, 11th of March, a major earthquake hit northern Japan and caused a 4 meter tsunami wave that destroyed the coastal area. The government categorized the quake as one of the most extreme in Japan’s history. Further tsunamis – up to 10 meters – are expected: Warnings were already issued in the whole pacific region. >>> read more
Advocating Integrative DLDD Risk Management
01 Mar 2011
25 February 2011 in Bonn, Germany
At the occasion of the CRIC 9 Meeting of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Bonn, Germany, GRF Davos and UNCCD held a joint side event on „Advocating Integrative DLDD Risk Management“.
The burden of progressing Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) – particularly heavy in the context of poverty, food insecurity, migration and social conflict – still lacks awareness among not only the population but also policy and business leaders. Participants of the well-attended side event have gained insight on the importance and discussed on the economics of DLDD, how DLDD related risks can be managed and what the essentials of leadership are for the successful implementation of inter-disciplinary projects on sustainable land management. >>>read more
Yves Guinand, UNCCD Focal Point, Programme Manager SDC, Bern, Switzerland
Many victims in Christchurch, New Zealand: Major earthquake hits the city
22 Feb 2011
21 February 2011 in Christchurch, New Zealand
On Tuesday afternoon, 13.00 o'clock local time, the ground started to tremble at Christchurch, New Zealand. The city was distressed by a M6.3 earthquake, which caused disastrous consequences. 65 people have already died and the number of victims is expected to rise. Hundreds of people are trapped in the debris. Currently, rescue crews from all across the country try to help and improve the fatal situation. >>> read more
UN General Assembly: 1st Debate on Disaster Risk Management
10 Feb 2011
09 February 2011 in New York, USA
Yesterday, Wednesday 09 February 2011 the United Nations General Assembly convened its first thematic debate on disaster risk reduction to encourage governments to take action and invest more in reducing risk and exposure to disasters.
The one-day UN debate on disaster risk reduction – organized under the auspices of the UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss, with support from the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction UNISDR – focused on the need for governments to invest in effective disaster risk reduction efforts, and on building resilience in rapidly expanding urban areas, where risk, population and economic assets are concentrated.
This with respect to the recent disasters in Brazil and Australia.
Further information on the UN GA debate on the UNISDR website or watch the webcast on UN TV .
Emergency situation in Australia: Cyclone Yasi hits Queensland's coast
03 Feb 2011
03 February 2011 in Queensland, Australia
On Thursday morning, 03 February 2011, the once-in-a-hundred-years cyclone Yasi entered the Australian mainland near the tourist destination Mission Beach, Queensland. With winds up to 290 kilometers per hour it damaged houses, tore off roofs, pulled down electricity and telephone lines and toppled trees. Unfortunately the disaster is not over yet: Experts expect giant waves and floods as aftermath of the tropical storm. >>> Further Information
Special WEF Side Event on the Socio-Economics Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought DLDD
28 Jan 2011
26 January 2011 in Davos, Switzerland
Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought are major challenges of our time and a threat to global wellbeing.
GRF Davos and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCCD have dedicated a Special Event to the often underestimated topic, before signing the MoU.
The Global Risk Forum GRF Davos and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCCD signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance their cooperation in combating Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought DLDD.
The Global Risk Forum GRF Davos @ the WEF 2011
20 Jan 2011
26 - 29 January 2011 in Davos, Switzerland
On the occasion of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum 2011, the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos continues its awareness raising activities and invites to two special side events from 26 to 29 January 2011 in Davos, Switzerland.
The Socio-Economics of Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (SE-DLDD)
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification UNCCD and the Foundation Global Risk Forum GRF Davos invite to a Special Side Event on occasion of the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum on 26 January 2011 at 2pm in the “Grosse Stube” at the City Hall of Davos Platz. After key notes and a panel discussion on ”The socio-economic impact of desertification, land degradation and drought” UNCCD and GRF Davos will reaffirm their cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
For more detailed information about the event go >>> here
Globalization- a blessing or a curse? - GRF Movie Series at the Cinema Arkaden in Davos
GRF Davos invites to the 2nd edition of the GRF Movies Series at the Cinema Arkaden in Davos, Switzerland.
For more detailed information about the event go >>> here
Earthquake in Pakistan: No major damage
19 Jan 2011
19 January 2011 in Islamabad, Pakistan
On Wednesday morning, 19 Januar 2011, Pakistan got struck by a major earthquake in the south-western district Baluchistan. The area is only sparsely populated. The effects of the natural hazard were perceived even hundreds of kilometers away. Millions of people all across Pakistan were in panic; many inhabitants of Karachi left their homes and spent the night outside in the cold. >>> read more
The Haiti Earthquake - One Year After
12 Jan 2011
On January 12, 2010 Haiti, the so-called "NGO-State", was hit by a major earthquake.
One year after the earthquake, the situation has hardly improved.
The balance of the catastrophe: More than 250,000 dead, countless homes have been destroyed, about 1.3 million people were left homeless, more than a million people are living in tented camps, thousands of children seeking their parents. And all this happened in one of the least developed countries on earth.
For many people in Haiti every day is still a struggle for survival. The Cholera outbreak in October and the political uncertainty are worsening the situation. >>> Read more about the earthquake and the recovery here.
Australia floods: The Situation remains critical
12 Jan 2011
Flooded cities and villages, blocked roads and crocodiles - Northeastern Australia has to struggle with the worst flood catastrophe of the last decades.
After cyclone Tasha raged through Queensland by the end of December, the region is flooded.
Today the flood reached Brisbane, the capital of Queensland and the situation remains critical, as the heavy rainfalls continue. >>> read more here
GRF Davos @ COP16
29 Nov 2010
29 November - 10 December 2010 in Cancún, Mexico
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GRF Davos participates in the 16th United Nations Conference on Climate Change from 29 November to 10 December in Cancún, Mexico. Marc Stal, Project Coordinator will report daily from the conference centre in Cancún. Follow him on |
OECD Workshop on Risks in Agriculture
29 Nov 2010
22 - 23 November 2010 in Paris, France
GRF Davos has been invited to attend the two day workshop on Risks in Agriculture which took place at the OECD Headquarters in Paris on 22-23 November 2010. GRF has been represented by its CEO Walter Ammann.
The workshop was structured into a number of sessions on the definition of risks in agriculture, on farmers’ management policies on how to manage risks, on market tools, and on good governance. In addition, the outcomes of recent OECD thematic country reviews on Risk Management in Agriculture have been presented and discussed for Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Spain. Finally, a round-table discussion addressed new challenges on risk management in agriculture. All the presentations are available soon on the OECD web-site.
SESEC IX
09 Nov 2010
8 - 10 November 2010 in Lausanne, Switzerland
The theme of SESEC IX focus on the promotion of local sustainable development by following an integrated approach, and addressing the important role of public-private partnership and the role of the private sector in particular. SESEC is a platform for promoting concrete projects, project consortia, identifying new sources of finance, and for presenting ‘Best Practice’ projects whose positive results demonstrate the benefits of adopting an integrated approach.
GRF Davos CEO Walter Ammann has been invited for an Opening speech on “Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change – The Needs for Harmonization”, where he pointed out the importance of harmonizing the strategies, resources and efforts of risk reduction and climate change adaptation and showed ways on how to link risk reduction with climate change mitigation by combatting land degradation.>>>read more
International Day for Disaster Reduction
08 Oct 2010
GRF Davos as an official partner is strongly supporting the 2010-2011 UN-ISDR Disaster Reduction Campaign to actively protect cities against disasters and to make them more resilient.
Reducing the risk to disasters by ensuring that our cities are resilient is the overarching theme of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, which takes place on 13 October within the framework of the UN-ISDR Disaster Reduction Campaign 2010-2011 “Making cities resilient”.
Among other activities being organised worldwide on 13 October 2010 the UN-ISDR is encouraging all partners, National Platforms for Disaster Reduction and cities to use the International Day for Disaster Reduction to raise awareness on how to build resilience to disasters, to publicize the "ten essentials" and how your community, town, city or province is advancing in getting ready. >>>more information
La Gesti?n del Riesgo a 25 años del Sismo de 1985 con Epicentro en Michoacán - Seminario
08 Oct 2010
From October 6th to 8th, 2010 the seminar "Risk Management: 25 years after the 1985 Earthquake with Epicenter in Michoacán - Effective Risk Management" took place in Morelia, Mexico. Organized by the "Instituto del Investigacion para la Gestion del Riesgo A.C. - INIGER" (Institute of investigation for Risk Management) under the leadership of Dr. Patricia Alarcon Chaires, the seminar aimed at analyzing risk management in a consistent, coherent and holistic approach taking into account geological, structural, social, political and economical variables in development planning. Giorgio Amsicora Onnis representing GRF Davos. >>> read more
Future of Cities
07 Oct 2010
On occasion of ICLEI's 20th anniversary the Future of Cities congress takes place in Incheon, Korea. The conference addresses the most pressing issues for future-oriented urban development and management. Keynotes, expert presentations, debates, most advanced examples from all over the world and exchange of opinions and experiences at roundtables will set the course for local government action in an era of rapid environmental and demographic changes.
For GRF Davos, Dr. Andreas Rechkemmer, Chief Science and Policy Advisor, was invited to give a keynote speech within the session "Leading the Future - Resilience". >>>read more
The Age of Stupid - Why didn't we stop it!
28 Sep 2009
'The Age Of Stupid' is the new cinema documentary from the Director of 'McLibel' and the Producer of the Oscar-winning 'One Day In September'. This enormously ambitious drama-documentary-animation hybrid stars Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching "archive" footage from 2008 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance? (from www.vimeo.com/ageofstupid)
Global Risk Forum GRF Davos held a screening for this film on 22 September
United Nations Summit on the Millennium Development Goals
20 Sep 2010
Following on a proposal by the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations General Assembly has decided to convene an MDG summit (High-level Plenary Meeting) on 20-22 September, with the primary objective to accelerate progress towards all the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, taking into account the progress made towards the internationally agreed development goals. The summit ended on the 22nd September 2010 with the adoption of a previously negotiated outcome document and an “action agenda” for achieving the MDGs by 2015.
For GRF Davos Andreas Rechkemmer, analysed the Summit and its outcomes. Read his critical acclaim >>>here.
GRF Davos shows
14 Sep 2009
The Age of Stupid - Why didn't we stop it!
'The Age Of Stupid' is the new cinema documentary from the Director of 'McLibel' and the Producer of the Oscar-winning 'One Day In September'. This enormously ambitious drama-documentary-animation hybrid stars Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching "archive" footage from 2008 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance? (from www.vimeo.com/ageofstupid)
Global Risk Forum GRF Davos shows this film to the public on 22 September 6 pm in Davos with a following discussion.
>>>read more about the movie
33rd IABSE Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand
15 Sep 2009
The IABSE Symposium 2009 on 'Sustainable Infrastructure Environment Friendly, Safe and Resource Efficient' has been held from 9-11 September 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand. More than 500 academics, researchers and practitioners from all over the world intensively discussed applicable solutions on how to achieve sustainable infrastructure through planning, design, operation, renovation, retrofitting and repairs. For more information on the conference and a key note lecture held by GRF President Walter Ammann >>>read more here.
M7.1 Earthquake hits Christchurch NZ
06 Sep 2010
06 September 2010, New Zealand
A 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit New Zealand's second biggest city Christchurch on early Saturday. Until now no deaths are reported. But the quake caused severe damage: bringing down power lines, ripping up roads and wrecking builings.Almost two-thirds of the 160'000 homes in and around Christchurch have been damaged.
A curfew was imposed from Saturady to Sunday to protect people from falling debries. As a series of aftershocks have been reported state of emergency has been prolongued until Wednesday 8 Spetember. The cost of repairs has been estimated at NZ$2bn ($1.44bn; £930m). Most households and businesses were expected to claim from their insurers and the Earthquake Commission (EQC), officials said.>>>read more
Wildfires in Russia destroing whole swaths of land
05 Aug 2010
The hottest July in Russia since 130 years caused a period of drought.In the southern Voronezh on Monday 44 degrees were measured. Trees and peat marshes dried out and caught fire recently.The wild fires spread out very fast.Houses, fields and forests are burning.Daily new wild fires are reported.
Dmitry Medvedev has declared in seven regions of the country state of emergency. Medvedev signed a decree giving the local authorities in combating the disaster, more powers.Moreover, Medvedev ordered the closure of forest areas for "unauthorized". This gives priority access to the affected regions to emergency personnel . The Kremlin head ordered other soldiers to the affected forests. About 2000 soldiers and 240,000 civilian rescue teams were deployed.Medvedev urged the government to improve the fire fighting measures and to provide assistance for reconstruction. >>> read latest reports here
Worst Flooding in 90 Years Causes Thousands of Victims in Pakistan
03 Aug 2010
The catastrophe which started already a month ago, has revealed the worst floods in the history of Pakistan since 1929. More than 3 million people are affected by the flooding, over 1600 people died and the authorities believe that the death toll will still be rising.
People in Pakistan are still in need. For GRF Davos Nadeem Mahsin is reporting regularly from the affected region.>>> read the latest reports here
Reports on the IDRC Chengdu 2009
20 Jul 2009
The IDRC Chengdu 2009 took place from Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 July 2009, in Chengdu, China.
The conference revealed the importance of an international experience sharing. The valuable experiences of the Chinese experts and people will help the international risk and disaster community to contribute to a sustainable, harmonious world and to be better prepared for future catastrophes. >>> read more
The G-20 Toronto Summit -- Premier Forum for International Economic Development
07 Jul 2010
GRF Davos, 28 June 2010/ JP
After the G-20 summits in Washington in 2008 and in London and Pittsburgh in 2009, the fourth G-20 summit took place from 26 to 27 June 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union met to follow through on commitments made at previous summits and to continue the work of building a healthier, stronger and more sustainable and stable global economy.
The first world economic summit, after the G-20 took over the leadership from the exclusive circle of the G8 in September 2009, very much focused on recovery from the global economic and financial crisis and the implementation of commitments from previous G-20 summits to lay the foundation for sustainable and balanced growth.
GRF Davos followed the G-20 summit with attention, in particular the handling of risks, social and environmental impacts of the financial crisis and the concerns of developing countries. Also the progress regarding the MDG's and the building of a sustainable, more resilient financial system are of GRF Davos’ interest. >>>read more
GRF featured by graubuendenTV.com and interviewed about the gulf of Mexico oil spill
19 Jul 2010
Graubuenden TV features an overview about the Global Risk Forum Davos and the association of the GRF within the Academia Raetica.
The Academia Raetica acts as an umbrella organisation for the most highly qualified research institutes and the different clinics within the Canton of Grisons and its closer geographical regions. Its goals are to support and coach postgraduate education and teaching and to enhance interdisciplinary research and networking within the associated institutions and clinics.
Please find the video report here (in german only).
Walter Ammann, the President of GRF Davos has been interviewed by the Austrian National Television about the BP Oil Spill Disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The interview is a part of the Alpha Academy, European Research and Science in Dialogue. The TV show is broadcasted here (in german only).
GRF Davos supports an exhibition on Climate Change at the UN Headquarters in New York CLIMATE FACES - CHANGING EARTH, CHANGING LIVES
05 Jul 2010
01 to 31 July 2010 in New York, USA
A British Council exhibition highlighting the human face of climate change in partnership with the World Bank Group and the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos.
Date: 1–31 July 2010 (Official Opening: 14 July 2010)
United Nations Headquarters New York, Main Gallery, Visitors Lobby
The exhibition Climate Faces highlights the human face of climate change. It illustrates the way in which young people around the world are reacting to the drastic changes in our environment, and show the passion and engagement with which they campaign in their own communities to raise awareness for climate change. >>> read more
GRF supports Making Cities Resilient
25 Jun 2010
During the 3rd International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2010, taken place in Davos, Switzerland from 30 May to 03 June 2010, UN-ISDR launched the campaign "Making cities resilient - My city is getting ready".
With Baofeng County (China), Davos(Switzerland), Tehran and Mashad (both I.R.Iran) 4 cities have signed-up during the conference. >>>read more
GRF’s latest book “Microinsurance – An Innovative Tool for Risk and Disaster Management” has been launched at IDRC Davos 2010.
21 Jun 2010
GRF’s latest book “Microinsurance – An Innovative Tool for Risk and Disaster Management” contains fifteen papers which all focus – from different perspectives – on an integrated approach in risk and disaster management through Microinsurance. Case studies from Africa, Asia and Latin America involving a broad variety of stakeholders, institutions, risks, methods, and business models, reveal the enormous potential of microinsurance in particular in disaster management. >>> read more
IDRC Davos 2010 - some preliminary outcomes
15 Jun 2010
The International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2010 with its motto “Risk, Disasters, Crisis and Global Change – From Threats to Sustainable Opportunities” was a milestone toward the integration of the ever more complex and interwoven portfolio of risk, security and disaster related topics, themes and trends as addressed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon in his message to IDRC Davos 2010.
At IDRC Davos 2010 some 850 conference participants from 100 countries all over the world have gathered in a unique setting and atmosphere. High-ranking delegations from The Gambia, Uganda, Republic of the Congo, from the I.R.Iran, from India, P.R. China, and Indonesia participated. (Please find the list of the IDRC Davos 2010 participants here)
Thirteen plenary sessions, around 50 special and parallel sessions, side events, poster sessions, exhibitions, workshops, training courses and cultural events provided the frame for this worthwhile undertaking. It is remarkable to realize how far the formerly fragmented, global risk and disaster community has grown into one distinctive body of excellence. (This body is reflected in the IDRC Davos 2010 conference programme)
To increase the interaction and exchange knowledge and ideas, GRF is in the process of transforming the concentrated collection of ideas and knowledge presented at IDRC Davos 2010 into an interactive portfolio of presentations, video recorded plenary sessions and video statements. Most presentations are already available on the GRF Davos slideshare site and will soon be integrated into an interactive conference programme. All plenary sessions are being broadcasted at the IDRC Davos 2010 TV Channel, more statements from conference participants will follow soon.
UNCCD Worldday to combat Desertification
15 Jun 2010
Desertification is one of the most significant impacts of climate change. The 17th June is each year dedicated to all those who are directly or indirectly affected by desertification.
In the UN Year of Biodiversity, the UNCCD directed their special attention to the non-obvious impacts of desertification, namely the depletion of biodiversity in the soil and its effects. Under the motto "Enhancing soils anywhere enhances life everywhere" the UNCCD tries to raise the public awareness for the close corellation between working ecosystems, healthy soil and our livelihood.
GRF Davos also contributes in raising the public awareness for the impacts of desertification. >>> Read more
The Risk Academy on course for success
11 Jun 2010
Within the 3rd International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos GRF Davos offered two education courses. Prior to the conference from 29 May to 30 June the 2-day continuous education course on Disaster Risk Reduction enjoyed great popularity. 77 participants completed the two-day course successfully with a certificate of the GRF Davos Risk Academy.
In cooperation with Europa Media, Hungary, GRF Davos conducted from the 4 to 5 June, the EU-Project Development course. The course gave a specific insight in the professional and successful writing of EU-project offers and in particular in how to gain partners over for prosperous collaborations in EU-projects.
GRF Davos can thus look back on two more succesful education courses within the Riskacademy and is already looking forward to further courses and workshops with numeberous participants from all over the world. >>>read more
Plenary Speakers @ IDRC Davos 2010
04 May 2010
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GRF Davos as organising committee of the 3rd International Disaster and Risk Conferennce IDRC Davos 2010 is grateful for the contributions and the support of experts and representatives from different fields and diffrent countries from all over the world. A special thanks belongs to all our Plenary Speakers at the IDRC Davos 2010. Thank you for your great commitment.
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M 6.9 Earthquake hits Qinghai, China
14 Apr 2010
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A major earthquake (M 6.9) hit the province Qinghai in China this night at 23:49 GMT. At least 300 hundred people have died and thousands are feared hurt.
The quake occurred in a mountainous region in southern Qinghai near Tibet, according to the U.S. seismological USGS strength 6.9. The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported the strength with 7.1. >>> read more
