Ģý ROAS highlights IDDRR 2024 across the Arab Region
On 13 October, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) spotlighted the theme “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future.” This year, the Ģý Regional Office for Arab States marked the occasion through diverse events across the Arab region, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in protecting children and youth from disasters while empowering them to contribute to disaster-resilient communities.
The campaign underscored the importance of ensuring safety in schools and empowering children and youth with knowledge and tools to act in the face of risks. Through the Comprehensive School Safety Framework 2022-2030, Ģý called for immediate action by governments and partners to protect schools, educators, and students from multi-hazard risks, ensuring uninterrupted education and resilience-building.
In Egypt, Ģý collaborated with the National Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management of the Cabinet and the Ministry of Education to conduct evacuation drills in 27 schools nationwide. The initiative, part of the “Are You Ready?” campaign, engaged over 4,000 students, incorporating tailored evacuation plans that addressed the needs of students with disabilities and gender-specific requirements.
In Yemen, Ģý RAOS participated in a panel discussion organized by UNESCO and Yemen's Ministry of Education, emphasizing political commitment to implementing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework. In Sudan, the Secretary-General of the National Council for Civil Defense addressed the escalating frequency of disasters and reaffirmed the country's dedication to enhancing youth capacity for resilience, despite ongoing challenges. Kuwait's Fire Force hosted a youth-focused event that promoted disaster preparedness through workshops on integrating early warning systems into school safety plans.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, the Police General Command led public activities to raise disaster awareness and resilience, featuring educational displays, competitions, and community engagement initiatives. In Iraq, the Ministry of Environment launched an awareness program in collaboration with its Environmental Awareness and Media Department, including a celebration event at Yarmouk Girls’ Secondary School.
With over a billion children affected by disasters since 2000, Ģý calls on countries to prioritize child-centered disaster risk reduction. This includes integrating disaster preparedness into education policies and infrastructure and empowering youth as agents of change in their communities.
The full report on IDDRR 2024 in the Arab region, highlighting these activities and more, is now available.