Geneva, Switzerland 14 October 2015 – The Swiss/Norwegian Nansen Initiative completed yesterday its two-day Global Consultation in Geneva, Switzerland, which brought together more than 350 delegates, including government ministers and officials from over 100 countries who endorsed the conclusions and recommendations of the “Agenda for the Protection of Cross-Border Displaced Persons in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change.” Delegates also included representatives from international and non-governmental organizations as well as academic institutions and civil society.

“Disaster displacement represents one of the biggest humanitarian challenges of the 21st century. Yesterday’s overwhelming endorsement of the Protection Agenda shows that States are ready to work together to tackle current and future displacement challenges. The Agenda provides States and other stakeholders with an innovative and forward-looking framework for action,” said Prof. Walter Kaelin, Envoy of the Chairmanship of the Nansen Initiative.

Floods, earthquakes, tropical storms and volcanic eruptions forced 184 million people to leave their homes between 2008 and 2014, an average of 26 million per year and the equivalent of one person per second. With climate change, these numbers are expected to increase and lead to more displacement.  Some projections suggest that a one meter rise in sea level could mean that 150 million people will have to flee unless the construction of dams, sea-walls and similar measures are undertaken to protect vulnerable areas.

Please read the full press release on The Nansen Initative's page.