Leave It to the People: Position and Positioning of Stakeholders in Top-Down Sustainable Development and Risk Reduction Frameworks from Global to Local Levels

Abstract

Dissertation concerning design, contents, priorities, and outcomes of development and disaster risk reduction (DRR) global indicator frameworks. Historical review of United Nations (UN) multilateral agreements and organizational dynamics precedes analysis of indicator data reported for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets shared by the 2015 Paris Agreement and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). Background on the planning of UN frameworks is considered along with results of indicator data analysis to identify actors and processes that steer the focus of frameworks hence influence selection of targets and indicators, and corresponding framework agendas. Fundamental flaws in resolution frameworks preventing global goal attainment are revealed, along with issues of indicator validity and data accuracy. Data evaluations performed for this study imply strongly that UN sustainable development, climate, and DRR targets will be left unmet, continuing a “business as usual” pattern for UN resolutions. Projected failures to address factors with hazards increasing potential prompts consideration and investigation of bottom-up approaches toward sustainable development and disaster risk reduction. Data resulting from a stakeholder survey concerning knowledge of and participation toward SDG targets is presented, along with preliminary results of a stakeholder survey conducted to assess preparedness levels of residents in the Greater New Orleans, LA area.