On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, 13th October, we are reminded of the crucial role education plays in empowering young people to become champions of resilience, preparedness, and recovery in the face of disasters. This year’s theme, ‘The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future,’ resonates deeply with our mission in the WHO South-East Asia Region, where youth form the backbone of communities and are pivotal agents for sustainable change and resilience-building.
The WHO South-East Asia Region, home to estimated 707 million of population aged 0-19 year, is one of the most disaster-prone regions globally, facing threats from natural hazards, climate change, and public health emergencies. Disasters disproportionately affect young people, disrupting education, health, and livelihoods. In this context, empowering youth through education and preparedness is not only a moral imperative but also a practical strategy for a safer, more resilient world.
WHO’s leadership in disaster risk reduction goes beyond immediate response as it focuses on long-term resilience. Through collaboration with governments and partners across sectors, we advocate for policies that place health and education at the forefront of disaster preparedness. Education is a transformative force, turning vulnerability into resilience. By embedding disaster risk reduction (DRR) into school curricula, fostering safe and healthy learning environments, and involving youth in community disaster planning, we can cultivate a culture of preparedness that permeates every level of society. Empowering young people with the right knowledge and skills ensures they can make informed decisions, take protective measures, and become leaders in crisis response within their communities.
As we observe this day, we reaffirm our shared vision of a disaster-resilient future, where empowered youth lead the way toward safety, health, and well-being for all. Let us aim to capacitate every young person to become a champion of resilience and preparedness. We must strive to inspire a new generation of leaders who are ready, informed, and capable of guiding us toward a disaster-resilient future, by fostering a culture of preparedness and instilling confidence in young people to take charge of their own safety and that of their communities.
WHO, in partnership with Member States, is committed to advancing education as a pillar for disaster risk reduction. This commitment includes:
- Strengthening disaster preparedness through school-based health programs that promote life-saving skills and awareness on health emergencies.
- Supporting the integration of health and DRR in education policies and curricula, ensuring that disaster prevention, mental health support, and health promotion are taught as essential components of youth development.
- Promoting disability-inclusive DRR initiatives by ensuring educational programs are accessible to all youth, regardless of abilities, and empowering young people with disabilities to be active participants and leaders in building disaster-resilient communities.
- Fostering youth participation and leadership in DRR efforts, enhancing their capacity to become advocates for safer communities and agents of change.
Let us unite in our mission to educate, empower, and inspire youth, so that future generations can not only withstand but also actively reduce the risks of disasters, ensuring healthier, safer communities for all.
Together, we can make a difference.