Title: Investing Today for Pakistan's Tomorrow
Margareta Wahlstrom, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, will be holding a press conference with Neva Khan, Country Director of Oxfam, in the Faisalabad room of the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, tomorrow at 2pm, 22 February 2011.
Pakistan is at continued risk of disasters, whether manmade or triggered by natural hazards. In the past three years alone, disasters are estimated to have cost Pakistan at least US$4 billion. Reconstruction after the 2005 earthquake cost US$5.2 billion, 20 percent of the annual national budget. Helping Pakistan integrate disaster-coping and damage mitigation strategies into its reconstruction and development plans will save lives and resources in the future.
During her five-day visit to Pakistan organised in conjunction with international aid agency Oxfam, Ms. Wahlstrom will be meeting Pakistani federal as well as provincial flood relief and reconstruction officials and representatives of international and national NGOs. Ms. Wahlstrom will also visit flood hit areas to see first-hand how disaster risk reduction strategies such as raised homesteads and food shelters can save lives and livelihoods in emergency situations.
Ms. Wahlstrom's visit comes at a time when Pakistan is beginning the vital task of rebuilding after the floods whilst still dealing with an ongoing emergency in some parts of the country. The Special Representative will also use her visit to push for disaster risk reduction strategies to be incorporated into sustainable development policies.(#)
For More Information:
Amil Khan, Oxfam International Media Officer: 0308 555 7219
Amena Kamaal, UN RCO Communications Specialist: 0300 856 4576
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