Dear Radixers,
I sent the attached short reflection on how one defines 'vulnerability' to folks at UNISDR on the eve of an inter-governmental meeting whose goal is to consider the terminology used in disaster risk reduction with a view to eventual common monitoring of the roll out of both the new Sendai Framework of Action and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Words matter. Definitions (and corresponding models and framings) nudge people to questions some things and to ignore others. I find, regrettably, that on the eve of this meeting the technical review commissioned by UNISDR recommends using a definition of 'vulnerability' that steers people away from asking questions about power, about institutional failure and about intentionality.
My note, attached, is a quick read. I'd appreciate feedback, and also, if you are inclined, the diverse and deep experience of Radix participants since its founding in 2001 provide a credible basis from which to urge the UNISDR to take this opportunity to bring its definition of 'vulnerability' up to data.
Thanks and warmest regards,
BEN
Dr. Ben Wisner
Aon-Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre, University College London, UK
& Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
& Environmental Studies Program, Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA
"People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
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