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The United Nations Development Program

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The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) was created in 1965. It was originally intended to undergo investigations into private investment in developing countries, examine those countries natural resources, and to train the locals in development activities. As time went on they were given more responsibility and now hold jurisdiction over disaster prevention, response, mitigation, preparedness, reconstruction, and recovery. As part of a self-reorganization in 1995 a new Emergency Response Division was created. A response team is now routinely deployed to help coordinate relief and recovery efforts of other UN agencies and NGO’s with the efforts of disaster-stricken national governments. (Sylves, 2008) The UNDP now operates and holds offices in 177 different countries and works with the local governments to help improve development and meet new challenges. The UNDP was not originally considered an agency on the forefront of international disaster management and humanitarian emergencies because, while it addressed national capacities, it did not focus specifically on the emergency response systems (previously considered to be the focal point of disaster management). (Bullock, Coppola, & Haddow, 2011) The UNDP seemingly gained more credibility and recognition along with or at the same time and rate as critical infrastructure protection (CIP), mitigation, and preparedness. The UNDP has seen a little criticism from staff members and the Bush Administration for irregularities in finances in North Korea and controversy when it halted its disarmament programs in Uganda in response to human rights abuses by the Uganda People’s Defense Force. The UNDP believes that disaster management is very important to its mission in the developing world. The Disaster Reduction and Recovery Program, created in 1997, the Emergency Response Division was given more responsibility in the areas of disaster and mitigation. Through this program, the UNDP makes sure that its long-term development work includes the demobilization of combatants, landmine clearance, the reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons, and a plan for restoration of governance in the affected country. (Sylves, 2008) The UNDP helps countries around the world to improve critical infrastructure, create employment, empower women, protect their environment, and most importantly end poverty. The key players in the UNDP besides the Emergency Response Division that I mentioned previously would be the Disaster Reduction and Recovery Program which is located within the Emergency Response Division and the Bureau of Crisis Prevention and Recovery which also houses the Disaster Reduction Unit. One thing I would have done differently would have been to create a division to inform and/or warn countries who were building or beginning to overcrowd in disaster prone areas. I realize that hindsight is 20/20 and convincing someone not to build a new city or critical infrastructure in a disaster prone area might be a very difficult task but not informing them of the risks gives the citizens zero chance of their city being built in a safe location. If they are informed of possible disasters in the area maybe they will at least take some precautions even if they will not move the site. Informing countries of the possible negative financial impacts that could befall them if a disaster were to occur in a big city of theirs might be the best route to go. Education can only improve the longer it is being taught.

Bullock, J., Coppola, D., & Haddow, G. (2011). Introduction to Emergency Management- Fourth Edition. Burlington, MA: Elsevier, Inc.
Sylves, R. (2008). Disaster Policy and Politics- Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Washington, DC: CQ Press.

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