26th Disaster Risk Management Seminar organized by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Tokyo DRM Hub Report launch: A Global Assessment of Building Codes – Current Status and Evolving Needs to Promote Resilient, Green and Inclusive Buildings

As global urbanization accelerates, with nearly 70% of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, the built environment is under increasing pressure. To mitigate damage and disruption from these recurring challenges, buildings must be designed and constructed to withstand both sudden-onset and chronic hazards, while adhering to essential standards for structural safety, sustainability, and accessibility. 

This session will unveil the GFDRR’s new report “A Global Assessment of Building Codes – Current Status and Evolving Needs to Promote Resilient, Green, and Inclusive Buildings”, supported by the Government of Japan. This report presents findings from assessments of building codes in 22 selected countries, focusing on three priority areas: structural safety and resilience, green buildings, and universal accessibility. It offers practical insights and recommendations to guide countries in future code enhancements, strengthening implementation capacity, and improving compliance mechanism. This global study builds on a previous regional study focused on Sub-Saharan Africa.

This event will be hosted by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) and its Tokyo Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Hub as part of the Technical Knowledge Exchange on Resilient Housing Reconstruction happening in Japan from June 16-20, 2025.

Program

Opening Remarks 

Takahiro Tsuda
Director, Multilateral Development Banks Division, International Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Japan

Presentation 1

Ana Campos Garcia
Lead Disaster Risk Management Specialist, GFDRR, World Bank

Presentation 2 

Tatsuo Narafu 
Guest Researcher, Building Research Institute, Japan

Presentation 3 

Prakash Aryal
Project Director, Department of Urban Development and Building Construction, Nepal

Panel Discussion Q&A

Closing Remarks

Keiko Saito
Team Lead, Tokyo Disaster Risk Management Hub, GFDRR, World Bank 

Moderator 

Keiko Sakoda
Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, GFDRR, World Bank

To participate

Please register by online form posted below, by indicating your preferred mode of participation (in-person participation, or online participation by Webex).  For the online participants, the Webex link will be sent prior to the seminar.

If the registration form does not work, please email to the contact address with your full name, company name, division name and email address.