Press Release
June 25, 2009

Loren proposes Legarda doctrine for new development thinking

GEVEVA - Sen. Loren Legarda, UN regional champion for disaster risk reduction, yesterday proposed to world leaders what she called the "Legarda doctrine" for a "new development thinking" to attain sustainable socio-economic growth compatible with adaptation to climate change to reduce disaster risks.

"Disaster risk reduction is a moral imperative and a social responsibility. We need a new vision and approach to development," said Loren, during a Leaders' Debate at a forum on Human Impact of Climate Change organized by former United Nations Secretary-General Koffi Annan.

Other speakers were Guyana President Bharrat Jagdeo, Ghana President John Agyekum Kufuor, Kiribati President Anote Tong, former Ireland President and UN Commissioner on Human Rights Mary Robinson , ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.

Loren declared that "The current model of economic development has failed us. It must be replaced by a new brand of politics, leadership, and governance for the future of humanity."

Loren explained her doctrine as "a new development thinking, a more holistic development philosophy, a kind of development that is founded on sustainable and equitable socio-economic development, ecosystems protection, cultural resilience, and good governance."

Loren said that all "nations are at risk because of multiple stresses from (1) urban poverty and weak urban governance, (2) ecosystems decline, and (3) vulnerable rural livelihoods, all magnified by climate change.

"These are brought about by irresponsible development practices which have allowed disaster risks to grow, to spread, and to prevail until today, she averred. "Development, therefore, must be accompanied by good governance, good politics, and good leadership."

Loren, who is also the Philippine Senate's chairman of the committee on climate change, said that disaster risks are increasing throughout the world, especially among developing countries.

She pointed out that while in Japan , approximately 22.5 million people are exposed annually to typhoons, compared to 16 million people in the Philippines, the estimated annual death toll in the Philippines is almost 17 times greater than that of Japan .

"In the case of floods globally, from 1990 and 2007, the risk of death increased by 13% despite the finding that vulnerability declined because of better early warning systems, awareness and preparedness mechanisms.

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