New flagship report for the High-level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP)

The flagship report provides an overview of what we have achieved in the last decade in dealing with water-related disasters and what we have learned from past events. This includes the lessons from global responses to Covid-19.

The ways in which most countries and communities currently address water-related disasters do not adequately prepare them for the increasing frequency, severity, and uncertainty of these hazards as climate change accelerates in the decades to come. For unprecedented events, but also slow-onset processes, we cannot build on historical trends. Historical trends do not provide guidance on present-day and future experiences. We need to deal with compound and consecutive events that are increasingly difficult to predict.

The report discusses aspects that need to be considered in preparing for and recovering from disasters that cannot yet be fully grasped. This is a process that will need continuous further development. The HELP is positioned as a source of authority and guidance on these topics. It recommends a number of broader shifts around the preparation, communication, and financing for water-related disasters. This can not only save lives, but can also HELP Addressing Water-Related Disasters in an Era of Multiple Crises better position economies to avoid major shocks, while simultaneously advancing countries’ goals and commitments around climate adaptation and sustainable development.

This action was led by Government of the Netherlands with support from Deltares and the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation. International experts from across the world have contributed to this initiative, which has resulted in policy advice on how to master water-related disasters in an era of multiple crises.

The report will be launched at the Sixth HELP special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters on Tuesday 21 March at the UN in New York, a day before the UN Water Conference commences.

About HELP

The High-level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters was convened at the request of the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation in 2007. HELP’s ambition is to assist the international community, governments, and stakeholders in mobilising political will and resources. HELP will promote actions to raise awareness, ensure coordination and collaboration, establish common goals and targets, monitor progress, and take effective measures aimed at addressing the issues of water and disasters. Contact HELP secretariat for more information on the HELP activities.

Read the report:

HELP Addressing Water-Related Disasters in an Era of Multiple Crises