Human Security and Regional Development

UNCRD has forged ahead in integrating the human security concept into activities carried out by all of its Offices. Currently, there are several ongoing and new projects that focus on issues pertaining to human security. One outstanding example is the Latin America and the Caribbean Office's project, "Human Security and Regional Development in Latin America and the Caribbean". This project has adapted the methodologies developed by the Human Security and Regional Development Group at the Nagoya Office. Through this project, the LAC Office has successfully conducted human security assessments and widely disseminated the human security concept.

Another is the Hyogo Office's "School Earthquake Safety Initiative," which aims to make schools safe against earthquakes and build disaster-resilient communities through a process of self-help, cooperation, and education. The Office's new "Training Course on School Safety with JICA-Hyogo" is designed to meet the needs of national and local governments in less developed countries by building the capacity of government officials and engineers in developing action plans and implementing school safety measures.

The Training Office in Nagoya will also continue to provide training on the human security concept through the UNCRD/JICA Training Course on Project Formulation for Regional Development Focused on Human Security. Furthermore, the Africa Office has begun a three-year project, "Human Security: Assessment, Capacity-Building and Operational Tools to Promote Sustainable Livelihoods and Conflict Management in Northern Kenya". The project aims to reduce vulnerability and increase the human security of communities affected by conflict in these areas. Training will be provided in human security concepts, assessment methods, and tools to reduce vulnerability in Northern Kenya.

Although circumstances do not currently permit it to conduct human security-related projects formally under the Human Security and Regional Development Group, UNCRD is firmly dedicated to integrating the concept into its activities for regional and local development, and contribute to the commitments of the Social Summit and the Social Summit +5 as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI).