2015 marks the end of the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) 10-year Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), an international disaster risk reduction plan that aimed to enhance the resilience of populations to disasters.

As countries meet in Japan in March 2015 for the 3rd United Nations World Conference on disaster risk reduction (DRR) to craft the post-2015 framework, it is time to review the progress made under the Hyogo Framework and consider the way forward for DRR.

The HFA has five priority action areas which cover (1) institutional basis for implementation (with four indicators), (2) monitoring and early warning, (3) education to build a culture of resilience, (4) reducing underlying risk factors and (5) disaster preparedness. Priority 1 is measured by national and local disaster legislation, budget allocation, community participation and existence of a national platform for disaster reduction.