Jakarta – October 13, 2024, marks the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, with this year’s theme focusing on “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future.” The day calls on countries to leverage the education sector to protect school-aged children from disaster risks by investing in disaster-resilient schools and age-appropriate disaster education.
The initiative emphasises two key areas: ensuring schools are safe and integrated into early warning systems and empowering children to understand and act on risks through education. This approach aligns with the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030, endorsed by UNESCO and UNICEF.
Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, said in a post on the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) official YouTube channel: “For this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we are calling on countries to do more to protect and empower children and youth through education.”
He stressed the importance of empowering children and youth, noting that around one billion children globally are at extreme risk due to climate impacts. Kishore highlighted the critical role of education in equipping children to be agents of change, particularly as the world pushes for broader early warning systems under the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative.
“Children’s vulnerabilities must be considered in disaster risk reduction strategies, and they should be empowered to contribute to a culture of disaster prevention,” said Kishore.
This year’s theme aligns with the upcoming Summit of the Future, where youth and future generations are among the top priorities. As part of a global effort, the UNDRR envisions a future where disasters no longer threaten communities, stressing the role of resilience in achieving sustainable development goals. (nsh)
Banner photo: Screen capture from the UNDRR official YouTube channel
