A/HRC/19/64 the global community could potentially save millions of lives by investing first in the most disadvantaged and at risk children and groups and communities, and that such an equityfocused approach would also help address the widening disparities that are accompanying progress towards the MDGs. 17. We note with appreciation the numerous examples cited by participating governments at the High-Level Meeting of how they have sought to address issues of inequity. We underline that these examples serve to highlight the important potential role of inter and intra-regional cooperation in channeling human and financial resources towards addressing disparities. We, the governments adopting this declaration, commit to do more to share relevant experiences and promote knowledge sharing in creating social safety nets for the poor. Children and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asia Pacific Region 18. We acknowledge the rapidly changing climate and the importance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) as a frontline strategy of climate change adaptation, and recognize the vulnerability of children to disasters, and that such vulnerability is being exacerbated by climate change. We also acknowledge that risk mitigation and disaster prevention need to be given as much attention as emergency preparedness and disaster response. Effective DRR can safeguard economic growth, social cohesion and environmental sustainability, while saving lives and livelihoods now and for future generations. 19. We recognize that designing and implementing community-based interventions – with specific attention given to children – and by promoting child-centred disaster risk reduction – which should include the participation of children as key potential resources – will support the outcomes sought by the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 20. We commend the numerous initiatives for progressing community-based and childcentred disaster risk reduction at the national and sub-national level. We urge the greater regional use, coordination and streamlining of such knowledge for the collective benefit of all Asia Pacific countries. Strengthening Cooperation 21. We note that the Beijing High-Level Meeting also provided an opportunity for participating governments and partner organizations to identify new and existing processes and mechanisms that could usefully support greater intra and inter-regional cooperation among countries of the Asia Pacific to advance child rights. We welcome, in particular, presentations during the plenary session on regional perspectives and partnerships by senior representatives from the SPC, ADB and UN ESCAP on existing mechanisms for cooperation in the region, and those which could be adapted or mirrored to provide a platform for greater cooperation on child rights. 22. We welcome the greater development of triangular exchanges involving countries of both the South and North to advance child rights, and call on UNICEF, other United Nations funds, programmes and agencies and other partner organizations to remain ready to assist this process. Recommendations 23. Building on the discussions during the High-Level Meeting on Cooperation for Child Rights in the Asia Pacific Region, we undertake to pursue the following goals and 62