New Delhi: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is annually observed on October 13. Effective management of natural disasters is closely linked to governance. The quality of disaster-risk governance can be assessed by the number of lives saved, the decrease in the number of people affected by disasters, and the reduction in economic losses.
In addition to traditional risk factors, the climate crisis underscores the need for a well-defined vision, strategy, and capable governance that makes decisions based on scientific evidence for the betterment of society. Governments and individuals must take accountability if we aim to leave a sustainable planet for future generations.
On this day, let us look at this year’s theme and when the day was started?
International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 Theme: What is theme for this year?
The theme for International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 is “Empowering the next generation for a resilient future”.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 focuses on how education can help protect and empower children for a future without disasters.
Many disasters, made worse by climate change, are big dangers to children and young people. UNICEF says about one billion children worldwide are at very high risk because of climate impacts and related disasters.
In 2022, the highest number of children were affected by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in over 30 years. Besides the risk of dying or getting hurt, children also face other problems like not being able to go to school, not having enough food, not getting medical care, and safety problems after a disaster.
Countries must consider what makes children vulnerable and what they need when planning to lower disaster risk.
It is also really important to empower children and young people and let them help make disasters less likely, as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 states.
Giving children, especially through education, can help them protect themselves and make changes in their families and communities by sharing what they’ve learned. This is especially important when we’re working to expand early warning systems worldwide with the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All plan.
When and why was the day started?
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction originated in 1989 following a United Nations General Assembly call for a day dedicated to promoting a global culture of risk awareness and disaster reduction. Observed annually on October 13, this day celebrates the efforts made by people and communities worldwide to minimise their vulnerability to disasters and raise awareness about the crucial importance of mitigating their risks.
At the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, in 2015, the international community stressed that disasters have the most severe impact at the local level. They often cause loss of life and significant social and economic problems.
Each year, sudden-onset disasters displace millions of people. Furthermore, disasters, many exacerbated by climate change, adversely affect investments in sustainable development and desired outcomes.
Enhancing capacities at the local level is imperative. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is centred on people and focuses on taking action to reduce disaster risks. It encompasses risks associated with both small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by natural or human-made hazards and related environmental, technological, and biological hazards and risks.
Facts
According to UNICEF, around one billion children globally are facing significant risks due to the effects of climate change, such as climate-related disasters.
In 2022, the highest number of children were impacted by flooding in Chad, Gambia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh in over three decades.
It’s worth noting that, as the European Environment Agency reported in 2022, roughly 10 per cent of schools in Europe are situated in areas potentially prone to flooding.
October 13 is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR). It encourages building disaster-resilient communities and nations. The United Nations General Assembly designated this day as part of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
