Kimiaki Kawai Soka Gakkai International Kenichi Kurosawa Dokonjo Himawari (gutsy sunflowers) Kimio Ohashi Temporary Housings Public Housing for Survivors Concert of the Shinano Mens Choir Soka Gakkai International Buddhist faith-based organization Peace, culture and education through Buddhist philosophy which affirms dignity of life based on the Lotus Sutra in the Mahayana tradition 1. People with faith and faith-based organizations (FBOs) can contribute to DRR by utilizing their unique strengths and resources. 2. DRR activity conducted by FBOs is strengthened by the voluntary activities of their members. Disaster victims are not weak people despite living every day in harsh conditions. I know that they have strength within themselves. They have the potential to engage in relief activities. A local Soka Gakkai leader in Miyagi By utilizing the network of communication Evacuees reading our organ newspaper The Joint Statement - Local faith-based networks reach every corner of our communities and nations; - FBOs and local faith communities (LFCs) have material and social assets, useful for DRR action and emergencies including the physical structures that serve as evacuation centres and distribution sites for food and non food items; - FBOs and LFCs are almost always first responders in emergencies; and also among those in the first line of defense in preventing avoidable disasters; and - FBOs and LFCs also contribute to resilience strengthening by utilizing their pre-existing local networks and infrastructure especially at the local level. We therefore call governments to: - Recognize and affirm the aforementioned unique role of LFCs and FBOs. - Prioritize the engagement and collaboration with FBOs and LFCs in the implementation of the post-2015 framework on DRR. Thank you very much!