Abuja, Nigeria – October 13, 2024
As the world observes the 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), global attention has been drawn to the importance of education in preparing youth to tackle disaster risks. This year’s theme, “The Role of Education in Protecting and Empowering Youth for a Disaster-Free Future,” underscores the essential role that knowledge plays in fostering resilience and preparedness for future disasters.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held annually on October 13, is an opportunity to reflect on progress toward reducing global disaster risks, as outlined in the Sendai Framework. In 2024, the focus is on empowering young people, a group disproportionately affected by disasters like climate change, natural hazards, and emergencies, to take an active role in risk mitigation and preparedness.
Speaking on the occasion, Gloria Kasang Bulus, the Female National Focal Point for the Global Network for Civil Society on Disaster Risk Reduction (GNDR) in Nigeria, emphasized the need to prioritize education in disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies. “By equipping young people with the right knowledge and skills, we can empower them to navigate and mitigate disaster risks, ensuring a safer future for all,” she said.
Bulus called on governments at all levels to support the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF), a structured approach to safeguarding educational institutions from risks. The CSSF focuses on three key areas:
1. Safer School Facilities: Urging governments to invest in disaster-resilient school infrastructure, Bulus highlighted the importance of creating secure learning environments for children. “Schools should be safe spaces where education continues even during emergencies,” she noted.
2. School Safety and Educational Continuity Management: This involves policies and procedures that ensure education is not interrupted during disasters. Preparedness plans and regular drills for students and teachers are crucial, according to the statement.
3. Risk Reduction and Resilience Education: Integrating disaster risk reduction into school curriculums is essential. “Children and youth need to be equipped with knowledge on how to respond to disasters, so they are not just recipients of aid, but active participants in building disaster-resilient communities,” Bulus added.
Civil Society Commitment
Civil society networks are also playing a pivotal role in promoting disaster risk reduction through education. The Network of Civil Society in Environment (NCSE), led by Bulus, has pledged to advocate for the inclusion of disaster risk reduction in environmental education initiatives across Nigeria. “We will engage communities and raise awareness on the importance of safe, resilient educational environments,” she said.
Additionally, the Global Network for Civil Society on Disaster Risk Reduction in Nigeria (GNDR – Nigeria) has committed to collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that disaster risk reduction frameworks are implemented effectively within the country’s educational systems. This collaboration aims to empower communities and young people to actively contribute to a disaster-resilient future.
Global Call to Action
In her closing remarks, Bulus called on all stakeholders—including governments, educators, and civil society groups—to unite in prioritizing education as a critical tool for disaster resilience. She stressed the need to endorse and implement the CSSF within local, sub-national, and national strategies to safeguard education from future disasters.
As communities around the world commemorate IDDRR 2024, this year’s theme reminds us that the power to build a safer and more resilient future lies in education. Equipping young people with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to face an increasingly unpredictable world is an investment in the safety and sustainability of future generations.
