3rd International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2010

30 May - 3 June 2010 ¦ Davos, Switzerland

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.>>> Find the detailed IDRC Davos 2010 participants list  here and read more about  IDRC Davos 2010 

UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, well known in Davos, he already visited the 2009 Refugee Run conducted by GRF Davos, could unfortunately not attend the 3rd International Disaster and Risk Conference IDRC Davos 2010 in person. Still, he used the opportunity to adress a message to the over 800 IDRC participants from politics, science, business, IGO's and NGO's. In his written message he in particular emphasized the importance of acting now.  The year 2010, should be the year of action. At the UN General Assembly meeting in September in New York and at the COP 16 in December in Cancun finally decisions should be made that lead to concrete measures to achieve the MDGs and the reduction of  climate change impacts.

Ban Ki Moon's written message was read by Sarah Evenson, IDRC Davos 2010 volunteer. >>> Read Ban Ki Moon's complete statement here.

The IDRC Davos 2010 TV Channel broadcasts

- Plenary Sessions recorded live at IDRC Davos 2010

- Red Chair Statements

- Video Statements

By Rose Goslinga and Marco Ferroni, Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

Rose Goslinga and Marco Ferroni from Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture have impressively demonstrated their work on implementing a novel weather index based Microinsurance product for maize farmers in parts of Kenya. The insurance agreement is coupled to the purchase of one bag of maize seeds, offered on a commercial basis and coupled with other approaches to control risks. Rose Goslinga further elaborated on how appropriately designed index insurance can contribute significantly to improved food security, livelihood and agricultural sustainability.