Sendai & Hyogo Framework — Set 10

Correct Answer: C. 187 countries

Approximately 187 countries participated in the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, in March 2015. The conference also included participation from over 6,500 representatives of civil society, local governments, international organizations, and the private sector. The broad participation reflected the global commitment to disaster risk reduction as a universal development agenda.

Correct Answer: B. Sendai Framework for DRR 2015–2030

India's National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) 2016 was explicitly prepared in alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. The NDMP's four thematic areas of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery map closely onto the four priorities of the Sendai Framework. India was among the first countries to revise its national DRR plan to align with the Sendai Framework after its adoption.

Correct Answer: B. It tracked national self-reporting on Hyogo Framework implementation progress

The Hyogo Framework Monitor was an online platform through which countries voluntarily reported on their progress in implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015. It was a predecessor to the Sendai Monitor and provided important lessons for tracking DRR implementation. Country reports to the Hyogo Framework Monitor revealed significant gaps in implementation, particularly regarding mainstreaming DRR into development planning.

Correct Answer: B. Comprehensive scope covering mortality, affected people, economic losses, critical infrastructure, and environmental damage

The Sendai Framework introduced a comprehensive concept of disaster losses covering seven dimensions: mortality, affected people, direct economic loss, damage to critical infrastructure, disruption of basic services, DRR strategies, and early warning access. Earlier frameworks like Hyogo focused primarily on mortality and livelihoods without quantified targets. This comprehensive approach to measuring disaster losses enables more complete tracking of DRR progress.

Correct Answer: B. Countries voluntarily commit but the framework provides clear norms and metrics that drive accountability

The Sendai Framework is voluntary in that it does not create legally binding obligations, but it is authoritative because it represents the consensus commitment of nearly 190 countries adopted at the highest political level. The framework's measurable targets and reporting mechanisms through the Sendai Monitor create practical accountability even without legal enforcement. This 'voluntary but authoritative' nature is typical of major international development frameworks.

Correct Answer: B. Science and technology underpin disaster risk understanding, early warning, and risk-informed development decisions

The Sendai Framework explicitly recognises science and technology as foundational to disaster risk reduction, particularly for understanding hazards and vulnerabilities (Priority 1) and developing early warning systems (Target G). The framework calls for science-policy dialogue to ensure that risk assessments inform policy decisions. UNDRR works with the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) to ensure scientific inputs into Sendai Framework implementation.

Correct Answer: B. Interconnected and cascading risks where one disaster triggers failures across multiple systems

Systemic risk in disaster risk reduction refers to interconnected risks where a disaster event can cascade through and trigger failures in multiple interdependent systems — such as when a flood disrupts power systems, which then disrupts water treatment, healthcare, and communication systems simultaneously. The Sendai Framework increasingly emphasises systemic risk as urbanisation, digitalisation, and globalisation create more complex interdependencies. Managing systemic risk requires a whole-of-society approach.

Correct Answer: B. Through CDRI, Ten-Point Agenda, Sendai negotiations, and championing developing country perspectives in UNDRR

India has contributed prominently to making the Global South's voice heard in international DRR through several channels: launching CDRI at UNGA in 2019, presenting the Ten-Point Agenda at the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference, serving as co-chair of Sendai Framework negotiations, and championing developing country perspectives in UNDRR processes. India's experience managing disasters in a developing country context with large populations and limited resources has made its contributions particularly relevant to the Global South.

Correct Answer: B. Women, children, elderly, persons with disabilities, migrants, indigenous peoples, and the poor

The Sendai Framework specifically identifies women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, migrants, indigenous peoples, and the poor as groups that need particular attention in disaster risk reduction due to their heightened vulnerability. These groups often face barriers to disaster preparedness information, evacuation, and recovery resources. The framework calls for disaggregated data on disaster impacts to understand differential vulnerabilities across these groups.

Correct Answer: B. It introduced concrete measurable global targets and clearer accountability mechanisms

The primary innovation of the Sendai Framework compared to the Hyogo Framework is the introduction of seven concrete, measurable, and time-bound global targets with specific indicators to track progress. HFA had strategic goals but lacked measurable targets, making accountability difficult. The Sendai Framework's targets, tracked through the Sendai Monitor, represent a significant step towards evidence-based, accountable disaster risk reduction governance.