Islamabad: As the world marks the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the emphasis is placed on the pivotal role of education in safeguarding the youth and fostering their involvement in crafting a resilient future. The United Nations underscores the necessity of empowering young people with the tools and opportunities to mitigate the hazards posed by increasingly frequent and intense disasters.

According to United Nations Pakistan, “When disasters strike, they unleash enormous devastation on individuals, societies, and economies. Today, disasters are often supercharged by the climate crisis, increasing their frequency and intensity.” Children, deemed especially vulnerable, face dire consequences in the aftermath of disasters, including disruptions to their education, nutrition, and healthcare.

In light of these challenges, the UN advocates for measures such as universal access to multi-hazard early warning systems, the construction and retrofitting of disaster-resilient schools, adoption of the Comprehensive School Safety Framework, and meaningful youth engagement in resilience efforts. These steps aim to protect children while harnessing their potential as champions of resilience.

On this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the commitment to ensuring a safer, more resilient tomorrow for future generations remains steadfast.