International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 Highlights the Importance of Education in Safeguarding and Empowering Children for a Resilient Future

The 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasizes the critical role education plays in protecting children and empowering them to contribute to a future free from disasters. Disasters, often triggered by climate change, pose serious threats to the safety and well-being of children and young people. According to UNICEF, nearly one billion children globally are at extremely high risk due to climate-related disasters. In 2022, the number of children affected by severe flooding in countries such as Chad, Gambia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh reached its highest level in over three decades.

Beyond the immediate dangers of death and injury, children face long-term impacts, including disruptions to their education, access to nutritious food, healthcare, and protection services in the aftermath of disasters.

To safeguard children effectively, it is essential for nations to consider their unique vulnerabilities and needs when formulating national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. Equally important is empowering children and youth to actively participate in disaster risk reduction efforts, as encouraged by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.