International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 - Empowering the next generation for a resilient future

According to UNDRR (2024), 1 in 3 people globally will be affected by a disaster in their lifetime. Disasters do not discriminate, yet some people are more at risk—children and youth, for example. Fueled by climate change, disasters already impact 1 in 4 children globally and disrupt education for over 62 million children. The wellbeing of future generations is seriously threatened by disaster risks. In fact, 75% of youth believe they are not adequately prepared for disasters.

This year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasizes the critical role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a risk-informed future. Since 1989, the #DRRDay has been held on October 13th by the UN General Assembly to promote a global culture of risk awareness and disaster risk reduction. In 2024, the #DRRDay calls for nations and actors worldwide to invest in:

• Safe schools to protect children and ensure that schools are disaster-resilient and integrated into early warning systems,

• Age-appropriate education that teaches children how to understand and act on risks, enabling them to respond to early warnings and become change agents for resilient communities.

© GIZ / Ursula Meissner

The #DRRDay also promotes the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030, developed by global organizations like UNICEF and UNESCO, to protect and empower students worldwide. By engaging children and youth early, the next generation is equipped with the knowledge to reduce disaster impacts, making future societies safer and more resilient.

In addition, the UNDRR recently published the 2024 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, which leverages insights from recent disaster events and integrates multiple crises to guide present actions to build resilience for the future. Using ‘disaster forensics’ as bedrock, the report examines the complex, interconnected nature of modern risks through ten case studies. It identifies underlying root causes and highlights strategic entry points for risk-informed decision-making. The report places a strong emphasis on engaging children and youth in resilience-building efforts, as they are among the most vulnerable populations when disasters occur. One key aspect is integrating disaster resilience education in schools to equip children and youth with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to prepare them for future disasters and to foster a culture of disaster prevention and safety from an early age. The initiative ties into the larger goal of risk-informed development by ensuring that children and youth understand the risks they face and can actively participate in mitigating these risks. Furthermore, child-centered DRR policies are promoted, encouraging governments to integrate children's needs and ideas into national and local disaster planning.

Figure 1. An emerging model highlighting key points in actions people take to avoid disasters in different parts of the world. Adapted from © Byatt, Kelman and Prados / UNDRR

Considering the complex and interconnected nature of risks, it is crucial that existing governance, infrastructure, and social protection systems include children and other vulnerable populations, especially in low-income countries. The 2024 World Risk Report highlights the increasing vulnerability of children and youth in these regions, particularly due to climate change and global crises. The report calls for educational programs on resilience and preparedness tailored to younger audiences and emphasizes the need for improved access to early warning systems and youth engagement in DRR initiatives. Equally important is psychosocial support, especially for children and youth to address mental health concerns in post-disaster scenarios. Youth-centered policies are vital to mitigate trauma and foster recovery. Significant gaps still remain in youth preparedness, with many regions lacking tailored resources and tools for effective youth engagement in disaster risk management. Bridging these gaps is essential to ensuring long-term community resilience.

The role of German development cooperation in risk prevention

Development worldwide is undermined by disasters, exacerbated by risk drivers, such as climate change, unplanned urbanization and gender inequality. Development efforts represent a window of opportunity for minimizing risk creation by taking risk-informed decisions. To mainstream this concept, GIZ is implementing the Global Initiative on Disaster Risk Management on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Initiative, running since 2013 and currently in its fourth phase (2023-2026), works on transforming development to minimize risk creation. It aims to strengthen the application of DRM approaches as integrated solutions in selected development cooperation projects and their partner structures.

Additionally, the Sector Programme Peace and Security, Disaster Risk Management supports the BMZ by developing cause-based and prevention-oriented strategies and methods for addressing issues related to peace, security and disaster risks in the BMZ portfolio and beyond. In collaboration with multilateral partners like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the program works to integrate disaster risks through comprehensive strategies. Promoting an inclusive "All of Society" approach to disaster risk management, we ensure that vulnerable groups, including younger generations, are actively involved in relevant processes.

In general, German development cooperation must work towards ensuring that

🏫 Schools are being built to be safer and more resilient against disasters.
📚 Students are better prepared for disaster situations.
🤝 Young people are actively engaged in developing solutions for disaster preparedness.

Young people must be equipped with skills and knowledge to shape a cleaner, greener, more climate resilient future

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General