Empowering the next generation for a resilient future
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 focuses on the role of education in protecting and empowering children for a disaster-free future.
Many disasters, often worsened by climate change, pose significant threats to the well-being of children and youth. reports that around one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate impacts and related disasters. In 2022, the number of children affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh was the highest . In addition to the risk of death and injury, children face further challenges in the form of disruptions in schooling, nutrition, healthcare, and protection issues in the aftermath of a disaster.
To protect children from disasters, countries need to consider their vulnerabilities and requirements when developing national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. It is equally important to empower children and youth and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to disaster risk reduction, as outlined in the .
Empowering children, particularly through education, can equip them to protect themselves and become agents of change in their families and communities by sharing what they have learned. This is especially relevant in the context of the global effort to expand early warning systems under the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative.
Check out the around the world and participate.
We need to protect and empower children and youth
Have you ever wondered why disasters happen and what we can do to stay safe?
Are you Ready to help build resilience?
Get by activating your and creating your . Spread the word about empowering the next generation for a resilient future! Join the conversation around the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on to help raise awareness of the need for disaster risk reduction that includes everyone – especially those most at risk. Check out the around the world and participate. 13 October is #DRRday #AreYouReady24
Play and learn to stop disasters
Learn how to build safer cities against disasters
This online game teaches children how to build safer villages and cities against disasters. Children learn through playing how the location and the construction materials of houses make a difference when disasters strike and how early warning systems, evacuation plans and education save lives.
Key messages
- Disasters are growing and impact the well-being of children and youth.
- Every child and youth deservesdeserve to be protected from disasters, especially at school.
- Schools have a critical role in promoting a culture of disaster prevention and empowering young people to understand and act on the risks they face.
- Early warning systems should be accessible to children and youth, so that no one is left behind.
- Building the preparedness of children and youth can help protect entire families and communities.
- Schools should be safe learning spaces, where children and staff are protected from ALL risks.
- Over 1 billion children have had their lives disrupted by disasters since 2000, with over 80,000 schools damaged or destroyed. Child rights must be protected for #safechildrensafeschools.
Background
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was started in 1989, after a by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. Held every 13 October, the day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face.
In 2015 at the in Sendai, Japan, the international community was reminded that disasters hit hardest at the local level with the potential to cause loss of life and great social and economic upheaval. Sudden onset disasters displace millions of people every year. Disasters, many of which are exacerbated by climate change, have a negative impact on investment in sustainable development and the desired outcomes.
It is also at the local level that capacities need to be strengthened urgently. The is people-focussed and action-oriented in its approach to disaster risk reduction and applies to the risk of small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by man-made, or natural hazards, as well as related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks.
Did you know?
- According to UNICEF, approximately one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate impacts, including climate-related disasters
- In 2022, the number of children affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan and Bangladesh was the highest in over 30 years
- Approximately 10% of schools across Europe are located in potential flood-prone areas (European Environment Agency 2022).
Resources
Websites
- , Sendai Japan
- UNOOSA: (UN-SPIDER)
- OCHA: (UNDAC)
Documents
- (2005-2015)
- General Assembly:
- General Assembly:
- General Assembly:
