ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the United Nations Children`s Fund (Unicef) signed on Tuesday a joint work plan to promote a child-centred disaster risk reduction approachin Pakistan.

The work plan, signed by NDMA Chairman Maj-Gen Asghar Nawaz and acting Unicef Representative Cris Munduate, focuses on the promotion of child-centred disaster risk reduction through child-inclusive riskassessment; implementation of a comprehensive school safety programme; and encouraging children`s participation through advocacy and communication knowledge management NDMA-Unicef partnership is envisioned for one year in its initial phase with a visualised extension in subsequent years.

During the initial phase, Unicef will support the development of terms of reference for technical expertise required to help NDMA in implementing joint activities.

The NDMA, through the development of the National PolicyGuidelines on Vulnerable Groups in Disasters and the National Gender and Child Cell (GCC) Framework, has taken up concrete steps to ensure that voices of women and children are heard and included in the decision-making process and policy formulation at all levels of disaster management.

The NDMA-Unicef partnership aims to enhance NDMA`s capacity and delivery of services to minimise risks for children and ensure their well-being and protection in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.