Every year on the 13th day of October, we observe the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR). This year, 2024, the focus is on the vital theme of “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future.” This theme is essential in our collective effort to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework, which aims to reduce global disaster risks and losses.
Education plays a pivotal role in equipping young people with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate and mitigate the risks posed by disasters. By fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience, we can empower the next generation to understand and respond effectively to the challenges they face.
Disasters disproportionately affect children and youth, with millions impacted by climate change, natural hazards, and emergencies each year. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are not just passive recipients of information but are actively engaged in disaster risk reduction efforts.
As we commemorate IDDRR 2024, I call upon countries, states, and local governments to support the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF). This framework provides a structured approach to safeguarding educational institutions from risks and hazards and encompasses three key pillars:
- Safer School Facilities: Governments must invest in the retrofitting and construction of disaster-resilient schools to ensure that children can learn in a safe environment.
- School Safety and Educational Continuity Management: Implementing effective policies and procedures is crucial for maintaining educational continuity during emergencies. This includes emergency preparedness plans and training for educators and students alike.
- Risk Reduction and Resilience Education: It is vital to integrate disaster risk reduction into the school curriculum to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to respond to risks.
I urge all stakeholders to prioritise these actions within their local, sub-national, and national strategies. By endorsing and implementing the CSSF, we can protect our children and ensure that education continues uninterrupted, even in the face of disasters.
In pursuit of these goals, these two networks are stepping forward with strong commitments to enhance disaster risk reduction through education.
Commitment from the Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE)
As the Coordinator for the Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE), I affirm our commitment to advocating for the integration of disaster risk reduction into environmental education initiatives. We will work tirelessly to engage communities and raise awareness about the importance of safe and resilient educational environments.
Commitment from the Global Network for Civil Society on Disaster Risk Reduction, Nigeria (GNDR _ Nigeria)
In alignment with this commitment, the Global Network for Civil Society on Disaster Risk Reduction in Nigeria (GNDR _ Nigeria) pledges to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure that disaster risk reduction frameworks are implemented effectively within our educational systems. We will strive to empower communities and youth to take an active role in shaping a disaster-resilient future.
Let us unite in our commitment to education as a powerful tool for disaster resilience. On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we encourage everyone to reflect on the importance of equipping our youth with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Join us in raising awareness and taking action as we commemorate the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction, 2024. Together, we can build a safer and more resilient future for all.
By Gloria Kasang Bulus, Female National Focal Point for GNDR Nigeria; Convener/Coordinator, Network of Civil Society in Environment
