The 4th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC) will take place from August 26-30, 2012 in Davos, Switzerland. With approximately 1000 participants from over 100 countries, the conference aims to promote integrative risk management and knowledge sharing across multiple sectors through plenary sessions, workshops, and an exhibition. The conference provides a platform for discussion and partnership on issues related to risk reduction, disaster management, and building resilience.

1. 4th International
Disaster and Risk Conference
IDRC Davos 2012
Integrative Risk Management in a
Changing World
26–30 August 2012
Davos, Switzerland
2nd Announcement
Programme, Topics & Exhibition
Global Risk Forum
GRF Davos
1

2. Chairman’s Statement
For the fourth time since 2006, the International Disaster and
Risk Conference is back in Davos, Switzerland. This biennial
gathering of global leading risk and disaster experts builds on
„From Thoughts to Action“ the strength of its previous events, and features a broad scope
of topics, stakeholders and partners.
by closely linking practice, science,
With the large number of government officials, experts and
policy and decision making in the practitioners, representatives from International Organisations,
Non-governmental Organisations, the private sector, scientific
search for sustainable solutions. and academic institutions, the media, and other high-level
Dr Walter Ammann, personalities from all over the globe, the conference provides a
President GRF Davos valuable platform for the world’s risk and disaster management
community. A vital mix of session formats, workshops and
teaching courses enables a profound exchange of science,
policy, and practice.
IDRC Davos 2012 will take place from 26 August to 30 August
2012 and will again take an integrative, multidisciplinary
approach, when addressing the different kinds of risks affecting
society today; risks which might be far beyond any particular
stakeholder’s capacity to control. Risks that may adversely
affect multiple parties across geographic borders, sectors and
industries.
A successful conference relies on the valued support provided by
partners and exhibitors. I cordially invite you to participate in
“IDRC is a great opportunity to increase this exciting, productive and insightful meeting.
knowledge and to share experiences”
Fust, Walter
Former General Director Swiss Agency for Development Dr Walter Ammann,
and Cooperation (SDC) President and CEO Global Risk Forum GRF Davos
Chairman IDRC Davos 2012
2 3

3. What is IDRC?
IDRC - The Risk Interface
International Disaster and Risk Conferences and workshops
IDRC Davos 2012
(IDRC) are the ideal platform for assessment and dissemination
activities, and in particular for networking activities. IDRC is
the interface for experts, practitioners and institutions from
science, technology, business, politics, and civil society to create
transparency and encourage synergies to reduce and manage
‘Integrative Risk Management
risks worldwide.
in a Changing World’
IDRC attempts to find solutions to today’s challenges in managing
risks, reducing disasters and adapting to climate change. It helps 26-30 August 2012
build stronger ties with adequate public-private partnership
models among risk management communities and sectors,
enabling a move towards a truly integrative way of thinking
Davos, Switzerland
about disasters and risks.
Organised by the Global Risk Forum GRF Davos, IDRC Davos, IDRC
established in 2006, is a biennial global gathering in Davos,
Switzerland. IDRC Davos attracts an average of 1000 participants 1000 participants from 100
from 100 countries. Between IDRC Davos, regional IDRCs are held: countries
in 2007 the IDRC Harbin, China and in 2009 the IDRC Chengdu, transfer of cutting-edge knowledge
China.
full integration of sectors,
disciplines, stakeholders
and end users involved in
risk reduction and disaster
management
IDRC Davos IDRC Davos IDRC Davos
IDRC Harbin IDRC Chengdu IDRC Davos ‘one-stop-shop’ for latest research
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2012 experience & good practice
exchange
strategies, models and
solutions in Integrative Risk
Management
4 5

4. Why IDRC?
Integrative Risk Management
IDRC Davos helps bridge the gap in problem solving How to cope with the broad array of risks and disasters society
between the causes of problems governance, and is facing today?
A multi-sectors, -stakeholders and multidisciplines approach is
technology.
needed to assess, reduce risks and manage risks or disasters at
all levels. Inter- and trans- disciplinarity is essential.
Today’s societies are faced with numerous
interconnected, complex and newly emerging risks.
The multi- measures approach along the risk cycle in
Environmental, technical, social and economic risks
Integrative Risk Management
are often closely linked and can result in successive Integrative risk reduction and disaster management implies vulnerability
impact. For example the recent earthquake in Japan, reduction and resilience increase. A multi-measures approach along the
resulted in a disastrous tsunami, creating nuclear risk cycle including prevention, intervention and recovery is required.
meltdown at its key facilities. Risks and disasters vulnerab
ilit
explored at the IDRC include, amongst others, natural yr
ed
hazards, failures of critical infrastructure and services,
PR
uc
pandemics, acts of terrorism and financial crises. All Y E
ER
tio
can severely impact and influence human beings and
VE
n
OV
NT
collective societies.
REC
ION
IDRC brings practice, science, policy and decision
making together to find for sustainable solutions. It
promotes the “integrative risk management approach”
as a process; a systematic framework for risk analysis
and assessment procedures. The outcome leads to TE
IN
re
consistent decisions and an optimised, integrative RV DISAST
ER
s il
en E N TI
ON
i
planning of measures. We believe risk reduction ce
in c
should be seen as an holistic approach, with safety, r ea s e
security and sustainable development at its core - an
approach that counts on public-private-partnership.
"IDRC 2010 provided an excellent opportunity to
encourage and mobilize the global community to step
forward ‘From Thoughts to Action’”
Zeppos John
Member of the International Association of Emergency Managers, NATO
CCPC Expert on Operational Capability, Greece
6 7

5. IDRC Davos 2012 Themes and Topics Specific Topics, Methodologies, Tools
Establishing and Developing Integrative Risk Management
and Frameworks
The complex and multi- faceted nature of risks demands an innovative, holistic and Conference Outline for Abstract Submission
problem oriented approach to risk reduction and disaster management.
IDRC Davos 2012 will address the Integrative Risk Management Approach within the Disaster Preparedness & Environmental & Technical Risks
context of cross cutting themes, risk areas and instruments such as: Response Ecological Risks Critical Infrastructure
Natural & Man-Made Natural Hazards Surveillance
Disasters Prevention, Intervention & ICT Sector Robustness
Preventive Action Recovery Tools Cyber Security
Humanitarian Relief Climate Change Energy Supply
Cross-Cutting Themes Recovery & Reconstruction Ecosystem Services NaTech
Gender / Inequality Humanitarian Logistics Desertification, Land Liability
International Agendas (HFA, MDGs, RIO +20)
Capacity Building
International Aid Degradation & Drought
Economics / Finance
Resilience / Vulnerability
Mega Catastrophes / Cascading Effects Complex Emergencies Famine, Food & Biofuel- Urban Risks / Megacities
Technical,
Financial, Civil Protection Production Water & Energy Supply
Country Risk Management Ecological & Stabilisation and Peace Green Economy Land Use / City Planning
Management Keeping RIO +20 (UNCED) Early Warning
Tools Emergency Evacuation &
Environmental / Ecological Risks
Instruments
Thinking the Unthinkable Shelter Management
Risk Areas
Governance Emerging Risks Mobility / Transportation
Technical Risks Cascading Risks Critical Infrastructure
Communication Low Probability-High
& Outreach Consequence Events
Urban Risks / Megacities
Liability
Education & Country Risk Management Unusual Scenarios
Societal / Political Risks Research Country Risk Analysis & Out-of-Control Risks
Assessment Mega Catastrophes
Standardisation Scenario Planning
Health Impacts & Medical Responses
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Risk Financing Options
Public-Private Partnership
Global Risk Indicator
Best Practices
Outcomes Risk Governance
8 9

6. Societal / Political Risks
Public Security
Economics of Disasters
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Financial Tools for Risk
Management Conference Structure & Format
Terrorism Risk Monitoring Insurance, Microinsurance
Social Unrest / Social Risk Assessment & Reinsurance
Cohesion Risk Modelling Catastrophe bonds The IDRC Davos 2012 programme enables active knowledge
Displacement / Forced Scenario Building Financial Standards sharing, helping to drive good practice and build capacity.
Migration Research & Development Investment policies Social events and exhibitions also offer the opportunity to
Community Empowerment Implications of the Public-Private Partnership discuss ideas, foster partnerships and strengthen professional
Local Action Financial Crisis to DRR Disaster Finance and personal networks.
Gender Climate Finance
Millennium Development Business Continuity Preliminary overview of the
Goals Low Probability-High Communication & IDRC Davos 2012 Conference
Culture & Disasters Consequence Risks Outreach in DRR programme structure:
Risk Communication Role of the Media
Resilience & Vulnerability Reputation Loss Awareness Raising Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday
26 August 2012 27 August 2012 28 August 2012 9 August 2012 30 August 2012
Frameworks Investment Funds Crisis Communication
Indicators Post-Crisis Regulatory Community Empowerment Breakfast Discussions
Gender Reforms Living with Risk Plenary Session
Marginalisation Insurability Social Networks
Post-
AM
Social, Cultural, Ecological, Parallel Session
Technical, Institutional & Education, Research &
Economic Resilience Capacity Building
Workshops
Workshops
Fragility / Robustness Preventive Measures Parallel Session Closing
Exposure Local Action Opening Ceremony
Community Empowerment Ceremony Plenary Session
Inequality
PM
Training Programmes
Role of the State vs. Poster Sessions
Health Impacts & Medical
Response Individual Responsibility
Pre-
Open Conference
Disaster Epidemiology Risk Literacy Forum Dinner
Public Health in Disasters Methodologies & Tools for
Disaster Medicine and DRR
Surgery Best Practice Exchange
Climate Change Health Build Back Better
Risks "IDRC Davos is an excellent forum where ideas, concerns,
Environmental Health challenges and opportunities can be discussed, shared
Risks
and implementable actions developed."
Shah, Haresh C.,
Humanitarian Logistics Professor of Engineering, Emeritus, Stanford University, Founder and
Senior Advisor Risk Management Solutions, Inc., Stanford, USA
10 11

7. Actions to
reduce risks and
facilitate disaster
management
Plenary Sessions Parallel Sessions, Poster Pre- and Post- RISK AWARD
The plenary sessions of IDRC Davos
2012 will provide participants with
Sessions and Workshops Conferences, Meetings Munich Re Foundation, GRF Davos
Input papers submitted and reviewed and United Nations Secretariat for
presentations, discussions, solutions
by a Scientific and Technical Advisory and Workshops the International Strategy for Disaster
and ideas from international experts Organisations and Companies will have Reduction (UNISDR) jointly launched
Board to the IDRC, will be assembled
representing the private sector, the chance to organise a conference the RISK AWARD (www.risk-award.
to parallel sessions and poster
governmental bodies, UN Institutions, workshop or meeting before and after org) at the 3rd Global Platform for
sessions which aim to support the
research and practitioners. Respecting the IDRC Davos 2012. GRF Davos will Disaster Risk Reduction in 2011. The
plenary sessions and the overall foci
the Integrative Perspective of Risk provide the logistical support where RISK AWARD offers €100,000 to a risk
of the conference. The sessions will
Management, each plenary session the input will be provided by the reduction project that will contribute
be designed to foster debate and
aims at providing an overview from organisation or company planning to to increasing people’s resilience to
interaction amongst the participants
each stakeholder and always focussing organise a pre- or post- conference, disasters, especially in developing
and focus on the key questions of the
on all parts of the risk cycle, covering meeting or workshop. communities which are most at risk.
IDRC Davos 2012. Other side events, such
prevention, intervention and recovery. The RISK AWARD prize will be awarded
as sessions and workshops organised
by external stakeholders, will also Exhibition every two years at the International
provide companies, institutions and During IDRC Davos 2012 companies, Disaster and Risk Conferences in Davos,
organisations the opportunity to organisations and institutions will be starting with its first award ceremony
discuss their foci with the interested able to present their work, institution at the IDRC Davos 2012.
audience of IDRC Davos 2012. and mission at an exhibition area.
IDRC Davos 2012 offers 1’450 m2 of
exhibition space in a completely
renewed conference centre.
12 13

8. Exhibiting
IDRC Davos 2012 offers about 1’450m2 of In order to maximise the time participants
exhibition space. spend in the exhibition area, refreshment
points are integrated. The exhibition
Within the IDRC Davos Exhibition Area,
area is strategically situated, so that
companies and organisation have the
opportunity to present their products, participants have to pass by on their way
institution and meet potential job seekers. to plenary and parallel sessions.
RISK ACADEMY - Interactive Conference
Continuous Education Programme
GRF Davos is offering continuous IDRC Davos 2012 will once again IDRC Davos Congress Centre Exhibition Area:
education courses in Risk Management use innovative and new ways for
within the frameworks of its Risk knowledge exchange and interaction. C Office
11
Academy. Once again, GRF Davos Video statements and/or presentations LIFT
WC
WC WC Foyer
B Office
will offer an education and training by participants will be collected and
Foyer B Strela
05
KP er
Lag
C Sanada 2 LIFT
B Rinerhorn
course during IDRC Davos 2012 which uploaded to the World Wide Web. LIFT
A Forum
B Jakobshorn
will provide participants with the Additionally all plenary sessions
LIFT
C Sanada 1 LIFT
amm
er
tellk
Abs
17
KP
opportunity to increase their skills will be live streamed and recorded Eingang Park
Foyer
in Risk Management within the as well. The gathered information,
3
frameworks of tailored course(s). knowledge and ideas will be bundled A Wisshorn
20
and archived online within an
Lager
interactive IDRC Davos 2012 conference
WC
WC
programme. This interactive portfolio
Pa
s
sa
A Seehorn
ge
WC
will be available after the conference Exhibition Area A Schwarzhorn
to the wider public and provide a
sound knowledge platform.
A Sertig
A Flüela
Pa
s
sa
ge
A Congress
Office
A Dischma
Please do not hesitate to contact us for Eing
an
g Ta
lstras
se
exhibition prizes and more information on
how to exhibit at IDRC Davos 2012.
14 15

9. Participants Profile
IDRC Davos
IDRC participants represent a wide variety of practitioners Participants by
involved in Risk and Disaster Management. They include Affiliation
government officials, experts and practitioners, representatives
Media
from IGOs, NGOs, the private sector, from scientific and academic NGO
institutions covering natural sciences, social sciences, medical,
legal or engineering sciences as well as the media and the
public. Private Sector
Former IDRCs covered participants from various affiliations and
nearly every continent on earth. Government Science
IDRC Davos
Participants by
UN- International
Geographical
Organisations Region
Latin America
Oceania Other
North America
Africa
Europe
Asia
“It is so valuable to widen the horizon by totally different
aspects from so many countries. IDRC is a special chance.”
E
Schenk Sieglinde A
Head of Business Risk Management, Alpiq Management AG, A
N
Olten, Switzerland O
L
O
16 17

10. Davos Congress Centre
Organisation - GRF Davos Patronage Organizations
The IDRC Conferences are organised by the Global Risk The International Disaster and Risk Conference
Forum GRF Davos IDRC Davos 2010 was held under the patronage of
the following organisations:
Through its various activities, GRF Davos serves as a centre
of knowledge and know-how exchange for the application UNESCO - UNCCD - UNITED NATIONS
UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONVENTION TO COMBAT
of timely risk management strategies, tools and practical
CULTURAL ORGANIZATION DESERTIFICATION
solutions.
GRF Davos aims at reducing vulnerability and increasing UN ISDR – UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL UNFCCC - UNITED NATIONS
STRATEGY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON
resilience for all types of risks and disasters to protect life, CLIMATE CHANGE
environment, critical infrastructure, property and all means UNEP - UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT
of business for the worldwide community on a sustainable PROGRAMME WFP - UNITED NATIONS WORLD
basis. FOOD PROGRAMME
UNDP - UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
GRF Davos addresses global issues on risk reduction, disaster management and
global changes through three focal activities that complement each other.
GLOB AL R I SK F OR UM GR F DAV OS Get in touch
Walter Ammann
I DR C CONF E R E NCE S R I SK ACADE MY P L ATF OR M President/CEO Global Risk Forum Davos
Biennial IDRC Davos Knowledge Management GRF Circles
IDRC Regional Conferences Continuous Education Open Circles
and Workshops Trainings
Closed Meeting Rooms Global Risk Forum GRF Davos
Research and Development Promenade 35
Public Awareness Raising CH-7270 Davos
E-Journal
Switzerland
Tel. +41 (81) 414 16 00 e-mail: info@grforum.org
For more information on GRF Davos please visit www.grforum.org
Fax.+41 (81) 414 16 10 http://www.grforum.org
18 19

11. CONTACT INFORMATION
Global Risk Forum GRF Davos
Promenade 35
CH-7270 Davos
Switzerland
Phone +41 (81) 414 16 00
Fax +41 (81) 414 16 10
e-mail: info@grforum.org
http://www.grforum.org
20