According to the World Bank hot spot study of 2005, 10 of the most disaster prone countries of the world are in the West Asia and North Africa region (WANA). Moreover, the region has seen large scale disasters resulting in huge losses in lives and livelihoods in the last few years such as the earthquake in Bam, Iran in 2003, and the earthquake in Turkey in 1999. Central Asia and the Arab states face high frequency of smaller scale disasters like droughts, floods and landslides that cause constant interruption of daily life and economic growth.

Increased loses from disasters have made it evident for the governments in the region that reinforced disaster reduction measures and implementation of HFA are essential for development, and therefore  requested UN/ISDR to establish a presence in the region. As a response to these needs and requests, and in line with the ISDR policies to strengthen regional cooperation on disaster risk reduction, the UN/ISDR secretariat Regional Office for West Asia and North Africa opened in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt in September 2007. UN/ISDR, WANA Regional Office in Cairo shell provide its support to countries and agencies in Central Asia, Middle East, Gulf States and North Africa. A sub-regional office in Dushanbe for Central Asia and a liaison office for cooperation with the Secretariat of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Tehran are included in the region.
 

Objectives
Recognizing that natural hazards can threaten any one of us, the ISDR builds on partnerships and takes a global approach to disaster reduction, seeking to involve every individual and every community towards the goals of reducing the loss of lives, the socio-economic setbacks and the environmental damages caused by natural hazards. In order to achieve these goals, the ISDR promotes four objectives as tools towards reaching disaster reduction for all:

Increase public awareness to understand risk, vulnerability and disaster reduction globally
The more people, regional organizations, governments, non-governmental organizations, United Nations entities, representatives of civil society and others know about risk, vulnerability and how to manage the impacts of natural hazards, the more disaster reduction measures will be implemented in all sectors of society. Prevention begins with information.

Obtain commitment from public authorities to implement disaster reduction policies and actions
The more decision-makers at all levels commit themselves to disaster reduction policies and actions, the sooner communities vulnerable to disasters will benefit from applied disaster reduction policies and actions. This requires, in part, a grassroots approach whereby communities at risk are fully informed and participate in risk management initiatives.

Stimulate interdisciplinary and intersectoral partnerships, including the expansion of risk reduction networks
The more entities active in disaster reduction share information on their research and practices, the more useful the global body of knowledge and experience will progress. By sharing a common purpose and through collaborative efforts we can ensure a world that is more resilient to the impact of natural hazards.

Improve scientific knowledge about disaster reduction
The more we know about the causes and consequences of natural hazards and related technological and environmental disasters on societies, the more we are able to be better prepared to reduce risks. Bringing the scientific community and policy makers together allows them to contribute to and complement each other's work.