A/RES/59/233 world and their substantial economic, social and environmental impacts, in particular upon developing countries in those regions, Taking into account that extreme weather events and associated natural disasters and their reduction must be dealt with in a coherent and effective manner, Expressing deep concern at the increasing negative impact of severe natural hazards, including earthquakes, extreme weather events and associated natural disasters, which continues to hinder social and economic progress, in particular in developing countries, Stressing the need to develop and implement risk-reduction strategies, including disaster preparedness, mitigation and early warning systems at all levels, and to integrate them, where appropriate, into national development plans, in particular through the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, so as to enhance the resilience of populations to disasters and reduce the risks to them, their livelihoods, the social and economic infrastructure and environmental resources, Recognizing that the development of stronger institutions, mechanisms and capacities, including at the community level, that can systematically build resilience to hazards and disasters is essential to reducing the risks and vulnerability of populations to disasters, Noting the need for international cooperation to increase the capacity of countries to respond to the negative impacts of all natural hazards, including earthquakes, extreme weather events and associated natural disasters, particularly in developing countries, Takes note of the report of the Secretary-General on the implementation 1. of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, 4 in particular section II, on natural disasters and vulnerability; 2. Urges the international community to continue to address ways and means, including through cooperation and technical assistance, to reduce the adverse effects of natural disasters, including those caused by extreme weather events, in particular in vulnerable developing countries, through the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, and encourages the InterAgency Task Force for Disaster Reduction to continue its work in this regard; Stresses the importance for the World Conference on Disaster Reduction 3. to conclude the review of the Yokohama Strategy for a Safer World: Guidelines for Natural Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Mitigation and its Plan of Action, 5 with a view to updating the guiding framework on disaster reduction for the twentyfirst century, and to identify specific activities aimed at ensuring the implementation of relevant provisions of the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development2 on vulnerability, risk assessment and disaster management, bearing in mind the vital importance of addressing the adverse effects of natural disasters in efforts to achieve the internationally agreed development goals, including those contained in the United Nations Millennium Declaration;3 4. Emphasizes that the World Conference on Disaster Reduction should, within its mandate as set out in General Assembly resolution 58/214 of _______________ 4 5 2 A/59/228. A/CONF.172/9, chap. I, resolution 1, annex I.