The publication considers key historical aspects of the development of cooperation and interaction between the Russian Federation and the UN in the field of disaster risk reduction in the 21st century. The paper is based on an analysis of a wide range of sources and normative documents of the UN and the Russian Federation on disaster risk reduction. The authors conclude that UN member states have significantly strengthened their capacity for disaster risk management, formed international mechanisms for consultations and assistance on strategic issues, as well as coordination of partnerships in this area as a result of the implementation of the Hyogo and Sendai programs. © 2020 Rossiiskaya Akademiya Nauk, Institut Istorii (Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of General Hist. All rights reserved.