About the theme: Empowering the next generation for a resilient future
VIDEO
In 2024, the International Day will look focus on the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future. The theme is aligned with the upcoming Summit of the Future, planned for September 2024, where ‘youth and future generations’ will be one of its five priorities.
The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience and Natural Hazards Research Australia came together on Wednesday 9 October, to celebrate the United Nations International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 and explore the theme 'Empowering the next generation for a resilient future.'
The 60-minute webinar showcased projects, practical tools, strategies, and resources for schools, organisations, and policymakers to promote disaster resilience education and facilitate youth engagement.
View a comprehensive set of resources on AIDR's Education for Young People website
Key messages:
Disasters are growing and impact the well-being of children and youth
Every child and youth deserves to be protected from disasters, especially at school.
Schools have a critical role in promoting a culture of disaster prevention and empowering young people to understand and act on the risks they face.
Early warning systems should be accessible to children and youth so that no one is left behind
Building the preparedness of children and youth can help protect entire families and communities.
Countries need child-centred DRR policies. This means integrating the needs, vulnerabilities and ideas of children into disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation plans, with resources dedicated to their implementation.
Child-centred DRR is grounded in the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Schools should be safe learning spaces, where children and staff are protected from ALL risks.
The Comprehensive School Safety Framework offers governments a way to protect children and schools from all risks and hazards in the education sector.
Children and youth have the right to safety, security, and protection in schools, to educational continuity, and to participate in decisions that affect their future.
Over 1 billion children have had their lives disrupted by disasters since 2000, with over 80,000 schools damaged or destroyed. Child rights must be protected for #safechildrensafeschools.
We’re calling on governments and partners to act now to commit to implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework to protect children, educators, staff, & schools - we need a multi-hazard approach to school safety.
Source: UNDRR 2024
