Marco Toscano-Rivalta on human rights, disaster risk reduction, and finding harmony

Elizabeth speaks with Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) for Asia and the Pacific based in Bangkok. Across his career, Marco has worked with the UN and other international organisations in humanitarian relief, refugee protection, promotion and protection of human rights, justice administration, sustainable development and disaster risk management. He holds a law degree from the University of Bologna, Italy. 

In this episode, Marco shares what it’s like to work at the United Nations including being at the negotiating table in 2015 when the pivotal  Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction was reached. They discuss what makes great diplomatic leadership, and how creating true impact starts with understanding yourself as a human being. They touch on managing fear and stress, and even how narcissism plays a role in disasters. Marco advocates for stronger legal frameworks, education, and investment in disaster prevention and how investing in disaster risk reduction fundamentally supports human rights. Enjoy this conversation!

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