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Hector M. Timerman, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
International Trade and Worship of Argentina
Argentina has strongly supported the approval by the 2005 World Conference on Disaster Reduction of the
Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 and has taken all necessary steps to comply with its principles.
This effort was recognized by the international community when our country was chosen to preside over
the Geneva-based Iternational Strategy for Disaster Reduction Support Group from 2007 to 2009.
The White Helmets Commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Undersecretary for Provincial
Development of the Ministry of the Interior coordinate the elaboration of our multi-stakeholder Argentina
National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction with the participation of governmental agencies, academic
institutions, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and representatives of civil society.
The group is devoted to promoting the improvement of legislation concerning planning and territorial
development and has given support to global campaigns such as Resilient Cities. It also recognizes the links
between disaster risk reduction and climate change and acknowledges the relevance of poverty and hunger
as major contributing factors to vulnerability. In this regard, it underlines the key role of volunteers and
community involvement for a successful response.
We understand that disaster risk reduction ought to be a priority of every state and Argentina is
committed to that objective.
Hector M. Timerman,
Minister of Foreign Affairs,
International Trade and Worship of Argentina
2008a