This paper seeks to promote a common understanding of what capacity development means for disaster risk reduction, including considerations or how it develops in both conceptual and practical terms. It is intended as a reference for the broader global community who work at the international, regional, national and sub-national levels in disaster risk reduction.

This paper reflects on and seeks to offer insights on two broad questions: What is capacity and capacity development mean for disaster risk reduction, in the context of the Hyogo Frameworkfor Action? What can external partners do to best support  countries’ own efforts and processes to develop their capacity? Readers are encouraged to draw upon elements of the paper that may be useful to their respective contexts and work.