Every three years, governments, civil society, and experts from around the world come together at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) — the most important international gathering focused on reducing disaster risk and building resilience.
In 2025, the conference returns from 2–6 June, in Geneva, Switzerland, hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Swiss government, bringing together thousands of participants — and GNDR and our members will be there.
But what exactly is GPDRR, and why should it matter to local communities most affected by disaster?
What is the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction?
The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is the UN’s flagship conference for reviewing progress on the Sendai Framework — the global agreement that outlines how we can reduce the risk and impact of disasters by 2030.
It’s a space where:
- Governments report on what they’ve done to reduce risk
- Experts share evidence and innovations
- Civil society and communities put forward their priorities and hold decision-makers to account
- New policies, funding priorities, and commitments are shaped
It’s not just another conference. It’s where governments set priorities and make commitments that will shape disaster risk management for the next three years — and where the realities faced by local communities must guide those decisions.
Why does GPDRR matter?
Disasters are increasing — and becoming more complex. Climate change, conflict, poverty, and inequality are intersecting in ways that leave millions more vulnerable.
Yet, those on the frontlines — local communities and organisations — are often excluded from the conversations that shape solutions.
That’s why GPDRR 2025 matters: it’s a critical moment to make sure local voices are present, heard, and influential.
The theme of this year’s platform, “Every Day Counts, Act for Resilience Today”, is a reminder that action can’t be delayed — and that local leadership is essential if we’re serious about building resilience now, not later.
GNDR at GPDRR 2025: Elevating local leadership
GNDR exists to ensure that communities most at risk are leading disaster risk reduction efforts.
At GPDRR 2025, we’ll be:
- Leading and participating in sessions across the whole agenda
- Delivering a member-led Call to Action to influence policy conversations
- Taking the stage at two Ignite sessions, spotlighting innovation from our members
- Telling the risk reduction stories of local communities
- Meeting with global decision-makers to champion local priorities
What can you do?
- Follow GNDR’s updates throughout the event on our website and social media
- Download our Call to Action — and share it with your networks
- Amplify our members’ voices on social media
- Help us hold policymakers to account for their DRR commitments