Recent reports by United Nations, World Bank, and the Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction, have highlighted the need for partnerships at all levels, and maintain that where communities, civil society organisations and governments enter into partnership, the scale of disaster risk management efforts can be increased considerably.

The focus group meetings and online information sharing are part of a series of discussions with partners and stakeholders worldwide to exchange views on how GFDRR can build on existing collaboration with civil society. Comments and recommendations received will be considered and used to inform the new GFDRR Civil Society Partnership Strategy.

The meeting agenda will follow in the coming weeks. Background information and the GFDRR Civil Society Partnership Strategy paper are available in Arabic, English, French, and Spanish at www.gfdrr.org/civilsociety.