Sendai Framework

What is the Sendai Framework?

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is the current global roadmap for reducing disaster risk and building resilience. It was adopted on 18 March 2015 at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June 2015. It is the successor to the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015 and represents a significant evolution in global DRR governance.

The Sendai Framework outlines four priorities for action: (i) Understanding disaster risk, (ii) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk, (iii) Investing in disaster reduction for resilience, and (iv) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to "Build Back Better" in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. It sets seven global targets — including reducing disaster mortality, the number of affected people, economic losses, and infrastructure damage — measured through 38 indicators tracked via the Sendai Framework Monitor.

India actively contributed to the Sendai Framework negotiations and has aligned its National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) with its priorities. The DM (Amendment) Act, 2025 further integrates Sendai principles by mandating disaster databases, recognising climate-related risks, and strengthening institutional mechanisms at all three tiers of governance.

A key innovation of the Sendai Framework over its predecessor (the Hyogo Framework) is its emphasis on measurable outcomes through seven global targets and 38 indicators, tracked through the Sendai Framework Monitor — an online platform where countries report progress. The Framework also introduced the principle of "Build Back Better" in recovery, which calls for using post-disaster reconstruction as an opportunity to improve resilience rather than simply restoring pre-disaster conditions. The Framework explicitly recognises the role of climate change in amplifying disaster risk, linking DRR to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Features

Current Status / Latest Data

• The 2025 Secretary-General's Report on Sendai implementation notes that disaster mortality has been halved and early warning coverage has more than doubled since 2015.
• However, economic losses from disasters continue to rise, threatening sustainable development gains.
• 131 countries (67%) reported having national DRR strategies aligned with the Sendai Framework by 2023.
• The 8th Global Platform for DRR (GP2025) held in June 2025 reviewed progress and identified gaps, particularly in financing and data.
• The UNDRR Strategic Framework 2026-2030 operationalises the final phase of Sendai implementation, focusing on risk knowledge, locally-led DRR, financing, and recovery readiness.
• India's DM (Amendment) Act, 2025 (effective 9 April 2025) aligns with Sendai by mandating national and state disaster databases and recognising extreme climate events as disaster risks.
• Persistent challenges include inadequate financing, data gaps, limited inclusivity, and escalating disaster displacement.

UPSC Exam Corner

Prelims: Key Facts

• Adopted on 18 March 2015 in Sendai, Japan
• Duration: 2015-2030; successor to Hyogo Framework (2005-2015)
• 4 priorities and 7 global targets with 38 indicators
• Introduced the concept of "Build Back Better" in Priority 4
• Monitored through the Sendai Framework Monitor
• Coordinated by UNDRR (formerly UNISDR)
• Linked to Paris Agreement (climate) and SDGs (especially SDG 1, 11, 13)
• India's NDMP aligned with Sendai; DM Amendment Act, 2025 further integrates its principles
• 131 countries had national DRR strategies aligned with Sendai by 2023

Mains: Probable Themes

1. Assess India's progress in achieving the Sendai Framework targets — achievements and gaps
2. "Build Back Better" — examine the concept with examples from India's post-disaster reconstruction
3. Compare the Hyogo and Sendai Frameworks — how has global DRR thinking evolved?
4. Financing disaster risk reduction — why do economic losses continue to rise despite the Sendai Framework?
5. Integration of Sendai Framework goals with SDGs and the Paris Agreement — synergies and trade-offs
6. Disaster displacement and the Sendai Framework — addressing the growing crisis of climate refugees
7. Role of technology and data in tracking Sendai targets — strengths and limitations of the Sendai Framework Monitor

Previous Year Relevance

• Sendai Framework is one of the most tested international agreements in Disaster Management
• Questions on 4 priorities, 7 targets, year of adoption (2015), and predecessor (HFA) are extremely common
• The "Build Back Better" concept is a frequently tested principle in both Prelims and Mains
• Comparison with Hyogo Framework (5 priorities vs 4, lack of targets vs 7 targets) is a classic question pattern
• India's alignment through NDMP and DM Amendment Act is relevant for current affairs questions

Sources: UNDRR — What is the Sendai Framework, Sendai Framework Full Text (PDF), UNDRR — SG Implementation Report 2025, PRS India — DM Amendment Bill 2024