Secretary-General's message to the launch of the Indonesian Tsunami Early Warning System  [delivered by Salvano Briceno, Director of the Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction]
              

Congratulations on the historic launch of the Indonesian Tsunami Early
Warning System. This is a major step forward for countless people in the
region.

We all remember the terrible destruction inflicted by the Indian Ocean
tsunami at the end of 2004. The death toll was horrific. Hundreds of
thousands of survivors were left injured and exposed to disease. Poor
communities were thrust deeper into poverty.

The tragedy was burned into the world's collective memory. But for people
in coastal communities, the terrible after-effects and especially the fear
of another catastrophe remain a daily reality. They are wondering, what if
it happens again? How will we survive?

Fortunately, governments from around the Indian Ocean heard these pleas.
They worked with the United Nations to form a powerful network of tsunami
warning and mitigation systems. This cooperation was based on partnerships,
technology and community development. These are the essential ingredients
in achieving the “end-to-end” coverage the international community called
for to prevent another tragedy, and to get accurate tsunami warnings to
vulnerable communities in time for residents to leave.

The Indonesian Government has shown great leadership in this arena, as well
as a broad commitment to the Hyogo Framework for Action on building
resilience to disasters. Indonesia's hard work is making its citizens less
vulnerable while helping its Indian Ocean neighbours, too.

The countries of the region are forging partnerships in technology, sharing
data, communicating in real time and helping communities to prepare.
Together, they are cutting risks to vulnerable communities.

I urge all of you to maintain this progress and your commitment to working
with the United Nations not only to prepare for a possible tsunami but to
deal with all natural hazards. Even small disasters can keep poor
communities trapped in poverty and underdevelopment.

The 2004 tsunami drew a great deal of welcome international attention.
Among the many people who came to the region to help rebuild was a United
States football player named Amani Toomer. When he arrived, he said he was
struck by how much damage the disaster had caused. But he was even more
amazed by the people. “It is encouraging to know”, he said, “that they have
more than enough character to help each other through the process”.

Today's launch has been made possible by that kind of determination to help
each other. The United Nations, for its part, will continue to work with
all partners to ensure that we are ready when disaster strikes. In that
spirit, I offer my congratulations on this important achievement.

Jakarta, Indonesia, 11 November 2008