The 2nd Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction was held in November at Ashoka Hotel organised by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. EFICOR was represented by its Programs Director Mr. Sanjeev K. Bhanja and Manager-Direct Projects, Mr. Ramesh Babu.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of India and the keynote address delivered by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson, united progressive Alliance. The conference was attended by 500 participants from more then 50 countries. The objectives of the conference were to review the action taken by the various national Governments on the Hyogo Framework of Action, review the implementation of the Beijing Action for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia, take stock of initiatives taken in various sub-regions of Asia for promoting cooperation within and outside the Governments, share best practices on Disaster Risk Reduction, discuss new international initiatives such as global platform and global facility for Disaster Risk Reduction and develop a vision and road map for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia.

The conference had an inter-governmental segment to deliberate on four themes - mainstreaming disaster risk reduction in national policies and programs, enhancing public-private partnership in Disaster Risk Reduction, integrating disaster reduction into rehabilitation and reconstruction activities and promoting regional co-operation in Disaster Risk Reduction.

EFICOR participated in various sessions held during the conference like ‘mainstreaming DRR in Poverty Alleviation’, ‘addressing the issues of Women and Children in DRR’ which were facilitated by academicians and practitioners.

EFICOR also had an opportunity to put up an exhibition stall jointly with Emmanuel Hospital Association (EHA), Discipleship Center (DC), and Tearfund UK. The Sphere India had facilitated the process of getting necessary space for exhibition while Tear fund UK sponsored resources partly. The stall which displayed posters, booklets, photos with multi-colors and video documentaries on DRR which were being shown constantly on plasma as well received wide attention of the delegates. Many prominent people like ministers of the governments of Asian countries, NDMA constituency members and delegates visited the stall. EFICR was able to share its materials and services. A number of handouts like ‘DMPP- Khammam case study’, EFICOR brochures, annual reports, posters etc were given away to the visitors and shared with them the work of EFICOR particularly DRR related activities. The DMPP Khammam case study booklet was in high demand.