MEDIA ADVISORY

The World Bank

First Ever World Reconstruction Conference Opens in Geneva

Rethinking Reconstruction for a Safer Future

Damages from disasters can be catastrophic, in both human and economic terms. Recovery and
reconstruction can pose a whole new set of problems. Recent experience, for example in Haiti after the
2010 earthquake, shows that despite great goodwill and collective efforts, there is a need to improve
how the international system supports national reconstruction and development following catastrophic
disasters. But, if done right, a crisis situation can become a window of opportunity to build resilience.
From May 10-13, Geneva will be the site of the first ever large-scale global conference focused on
disaster recovery and reconstruction—the World Reconstruction Conference, organized by the World
Bank, the United Nations and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR). It will be
held in the same premises— the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG) — and constitutes one
of the main pillars of a parallel conference, the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Almost 3,000 policy makers and practitioners from governments, multilateral institutions, non-
governmental organizations, civil society and the private sector from around the world will participate in
the first global forum to try to resolve such issues as how to rebuild and recover after a disaster in a
manner that is sustainable, contributing towards the development agendas and programs of disaster-
affected countries.
Media are invited to a preview of the launch of the World Reconstruction Conference, featuring the
following distinguished speakers:
 Ms. Zoubida Allaoua, Director of Finance, Economics and Urban Development, Sustainable
Development Network, The World Bank
 Mr. René Holenstein, Head of Multilateral Affairs Division, Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation (SDC)
 Ms. Helena Molin-Valdés, Deputy Director, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction (UNISDR)
 Mr. Alan March, Assistant Director General, Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Branch,
Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)
 Mr. Kenichi Suganuma, Ambassador, The Permanent Mission of Japan to the UN and Other
International Organizations in Geneva

WHAT: Launch Preview: The World Reconstruction Conference

WHEN: 12:30 – 13:30, Monday, May 9, 2011
WHERE: Swiss Press Club, Route de Ferney 106, 1202 Geneva
A light lunch will be served.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Anita Gordon, email: agordon@worldbank.org, mobile: +41 76 219 2565 or +1 202 436 4791