Introduction Natural disasters are a main source of risk for the poor, present a serious obstacle to achieving sustainable social and economic development. Disasters affect the poor most severely thus, measures taken to manage hazards and reduce their impact provide an effective vehicle to make substantial advances in fight against poverty. The countries of East Asia and the Pacific are among the most vulnerable in the world to effects caused by disasters. A joint Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed between ASEAN, UN/ISDR, and the WB in May 2009, marking the beginning of a five year partnership. The WB supports capacity building activities and is organizing this series of videoconferences to assist clients in enhancing their knowledge on DRM in the region. A similar MoC is under preparation with the Pacific Islands Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC). About the Distance Learning Seminar Series As part of the EAP Sector Management Unit Initiatives, which is a program promoting outreach and knowledge-sharing, the East Asia and Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) team, in collaboration with the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN), and supported by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), has planned Disaster Risk Management Distance Learning Seminar Series for EAP client countries to build capacity and increase knowledge of all professionals who will be involved in DRM activities as well as to help them drive the agenda for DRM activities in their respective countries and empower local partners. This seminar series will highlight the following areas:  Post-disaster response and recovery planning  Disaster risk assessment, prevention and mitigation  Emergency preparedness and early warning systems Within these three areas of focus, this series is comprised of 5 sessions delivered via VC by connecting 5-7 countries in the region starting from April through December Support for this initiative has been provided by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). SESSION 2 INFORMATION: Learning objectives: The Risk Assessment shows the likelihood of an extreme hazard event and its impacts to vulnerable communities. Disaster risk is a function of the characteristics and frequency of hazards experienced in a specified location, the nature of the elements at risk, and their inherent degree of vulnerability or resilience (which can include capacity). Effective risk reduction requires a multi-hazard risk assessment in order to determine which areas are at highest risk of experiencing a disaster and why, so that appropriate and cost-effective mitigation measures can be identified, adopted, and implemented. This session will also incorporate discussion on the effects and implications of climate change. After attending the session, participants should be able to: 1.How to systematically capture, track and consolidate vulnerability information. 2.Conduct risk assessments using hazard data from several sources. 3.Discuss some of the real operational challenges. Disaster Risk Management in East Asia and the Pacific Distance Learning Seminar Series SESSION 2 Conducting multi-hazard risk assessments Potential VC links Australia (Sydney) Fiji (Suva) Indonesia (Jakarta) Lao PDR (Vientiane) Philippines (Manila) Singapore Vietnam (Hanoi) with live web-streaming (11:00 – 14:00, Jakarta time) June 30, 2010

SESSION 2 INFORMATION (Continued) : Agenda and key issues to present and discuss A short opening to introduce participants, program and objectives A brief overview of conducting risk assessments Case studies and experiences Q&A and general discussion Conclusions Target Audience - EAP professional staff working on DRM - ASEAN and SOPAC member state counterparts - National and sub national government officials, government counterparts - Other partners and stakeholders such as academics, private sector practitioners, civil society groups that are active in the area of disaster risk management, environment, infrastructure, and finance in the ASEAN and SOPAC member states. - World Bank staff in country offices Resources Mr. Cao Tuan Minh, Project Director of the Natural Disaster Risk Mitigation Project, Central Project Office (CPO), Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Vietnam Dr. Kusnowidjaja Megawati Assistant Professor, Nanyang Technological University Mr. Nick Horspool Geophysicist & Natural Hazard Risk Assessment Specialist Geoscience Australia (Tentative) Locations & Time Slot & Contacts Australia (Sydney): 14:00-17:00 World Bank Office, Sydney Sophie A. Roche, Fiji (Suva): 16:00-19:00 UNDP – Pacific Centre Level 7 Kadavu House, 414 Victoria Parade Moortaza Jiwanji, Indonesia (Jakarta) : 11:00-14:00 World Bank Office, Jakarta Iwan Gunawan, Lao PDR (Vientiane): 11:00-14:00 World Bank Office, Vientiane Sombath Southivong, Philippines (Manila): 12:00-15:00 World Bank Office, Manila Cathy Vidar, Singapore: 12:00-15:00 Nanyang University, Singapore Vietnam (Hanoi): 11:00-14:00 Vietnam Development Information Center (VDIC) Dang Thi Thu Huong, (Observing site) Japan (Tokyo): 13:00-16:00 Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC) Sachiko Oda, Main moderator Mr. Christopher Pablo, Senior Operations Officer, World Bank Office, Manila (TBC) Language VC Session: English. Simultaneous translation is available at each site as required. Delivery of the program The session will be a 3-hour VC in English. Simultaneous (or consecutive) translation will be arranged if it is requested. The session consists of 3 presentations from Vietnam and Singapore and Australia, followed by Q&A. Webcasting (Live Streaming via Internet) of VC will be available. Streaming URL: To view webcasting, participants will need a PC with internet access, Windows Media Player Version and PC speakers. Registration information Please send your confirmation of attendance to the contact person at the location of your choice by June 21, Contacts Program Information: Zoe Trohanis or Zeeshan Suhail (EASIN) GDLN Central Contacts: Eiko Wataya, Sachiko Oda (TDLC) Telephone: +81-(0)