This paper, by the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) builds on the recently produced ‘The future framework for disaster risk reduction: a guide for decision-makers’. This new module brings together evidence on opportunities raised by adopting an inclusive approach to ensure effective DRR. The paper makes the case for increased attention to wider issues of vulnerability, inclusion and empowerment, which are needed to assist policy-makers and international agencies to negotiate the successor agreement to the HFA.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented on Sunday (2 November) in Copenhagen its Assessment Synthesis Report. The conclusions of the report result from the week-long discussion between scientists and governments involved. According to the authors, while the world is on a perilous path toward irreversibly damaging the global environment, we can still avoid the most serious impacts through immediate action. Adapting to climate change is important but it is mitigation that is central to achieve sustainable actions.

For the first time this year two important dates in the urban calendar happened in October. The first Monday of October of every year since 1986 is a World Habitat Day. This year, October ends with World City Day, celebrated this year for the first time and built around the theme: Better City, Better Life. Both days are organized under the auspices of UN-Habitat. We thought this would be an excellent opportunity to share a few words about our efforts to promote and support sustainable cities, also highlighted our 2013/2014 Annual Report.