The International Recovery Forum 2025 was held virtually on January 28 at Kobe, Japan, bringing together global experts, policymakers, and disaster response practitioners to discuss strategies for resilient recovery. The forum, themed "Achieving Resilient Recovery in a Changing World," reflected on the lessons learned in the thirty years since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and explored recovery experiences from disaster-affected regions including Japan, Türkiye, the Philippines, Indonesia, Mexico, and Nepal.

Representing IPAO, CEO and Chairman Aklima Majumdar actively engaged in discussions with international recovery stakeholders, addressing key challenges in post-disaster rebuilding and risk reduction. The forum emphasized the Build Back Better approach, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened national capacities, sustainable financing, and inclusive stakeholder engagement in disaster recovery.

The event featured a keynote address by Mr. Kawata Yoshiaki, Executive Director of the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institute (DRI), who spoke on the impact of the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake on modern recovery practices. Opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

The forum was structured into two key sessions. The first, "Learning from Japan’s Recovery Journey: Reflections from Local Leaders," featured distinguished panelists including Mr. Ueshima Yasuhiro, Steering Committee Member of Japan Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and Secretary General of Peace Boat Disaster Relief; Mr. Kamei Hiroyuki, Former Director General of the Disaster Response Bureau, Hyogo Prefectural Government; and Mr. Yoshimora Kokim, Mayor of Anamizu Town, Ishikawa Prefecture. The session was moderated by Ms. Ohashi Makiko, Director in Charge of International Cooperation, Disaster Management Bureau, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.

The second session, "Recovery Experiences and Readiness: International Perspectives on Building Back Better," brought together global disaster recovery practitioners and policymakers to share strategies for strengthening recovery readiness and overcoming barriers such as limited financing and institutional capacity gaps. Discussions focused on insights gained from recent disasters and explored ways to integrate resilience-building efforts into national policies.

IPAO is honored to have participated in this critical dialogue and remains committed to advocating for disaster resilience, particularly for vulnerable communities. Special thanks to Peace Boat Disaster Relief for their unwavering support in advancing global disaster recovery initiatives.