Disaster risk and resilience received insufficient emphasis in the original Millennium Development Goal agenda, despite the relationship between disasters and development. Whilst there is universal acceptance that disasters can erode and destroy development gains, there is limited recognition of the role that different approaches to development play in creating or increasing vulnerability. Reducing the risks of disasters (for example prevention, preparedness, and early warning systems) for predictable events like the major severe weather impact conditions such as cyclones, large storms, heavy precipitation events, heat and cold waves, helps to protect both human and economic assets.

As we near 2015, we now have a clearer understanding of trends (for example through climate and weather related evidence), that show how the impact of disasters caused by natural hazards and vulnerability will continue to intensify, presenting an increasingly significant challenge to development. Disaster risk reduction and resilience therefore requires more central consideration in the post-20IS development agenda if the objectives of sustainable development are to be achieved.