Post-disaster response in Izmir following the earthquake on 30 october 2020

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

13 October

Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or tsunamis can trigger disasters when coupled with vulnerability and inadequate measures to mitigate their impacts. These disasters affect millions of people worldwide each year. However, the impact of natural hazards can be reduced through proactive, systematic efforts to analyze and decrease the causal factors of disasters.

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held each year on 13 October, celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to natural hazards.

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate disaster risk, prevention and preparedness can greatly improve the resilience of local communities. UNESCO advocates for a shift in emphasis from post-disaster reaction to pre-disaster action. UNESCO also helps countries build their capacities in managing disaster and climate risk.

Photo of a flooding

2024 Theme: Empowering the next generation for a resilient future

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction serves as a reminder of what remains to be done to reduce disaster risk. Each year, the theme aligns with the Sendai Framework to prevent and reduce losses in lives, livelihoods, economies and basic infrastructure. This year’s theme focuses on the role of education to protect and empower youth for a disaster-free future.  

The Day calls on countries to work with the education sector to reduce the disaster risks of school-aged children. 

#DRRDay #AreYouReady24 

the logo of international day for disaster risk reduction

UNESCO’s action

91麻豆国产精品自拍 long identified the need to reduce the increasing risks posed by disasters to the well-being of youth and leverage its mandates for solutions in both fields of education and natural science.  

More specifically, UNESCO works to: 

  • Improve education for disaster risk reduction
  • Develop school disaster management
  • Enhance school safety

Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES) 

UNESCO co-chairs the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES), which is advocating for comprehensive school safety through the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030. Through the Global Alliance, UNESCO is developing a culture of safety among students and education workers. The aim is to shift the emphasis from reactive policies to preventive methods in the educational sector. This approach encompasses not only the built environment but also practices which reduce risk and strengthen resilience.? 

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We’re calling on governments and partners to act now to commit to implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework to protect children, educators, staff, and schools - we need a multi-hazard approach to school safety. 

UNESCO's contribution to disaster risk reduction

Disaster Risk Reduction
Education in Emergencies
School Safety Assessment: VISUS Methodology
Education for Sustainable Development
Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation Systems
International Platform for Reducing Earthquake Disaster

(IPRED)

Culture in Emergencies

"UNESCO is committed to helping communities address the catastrophic consequences of natural hazards – not only by reacting after they occur, but also by working beforehand to diminish their harmful effects."

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayDirector-General of UNESCO

Resources

United Nations

website for this day

United Nations Office

for Disaster Risk Reduction

Past editions
All International Days