International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction [13th October]

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is celebrated on 13th October each year. Millions of people all around the world are affected every year by natural and technological disasters. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) launched the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to raise awareness about the global culture of risk and reduce the impact of disasters through planning and measures.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction also highlights the steps taken by communities and governments around the world toward reducing disaster exposure and losses of lives, health, and livelihoods. Find out more about this day, its history, and its significance here.

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was announced by the United Nations General Assembly as part of an observance of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. This day is aimed at motivating people to work for the building of a world with reduced disaster risk.

Natural disaster management still remains one of the biggest challenges in the world, and International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction aims to resolve these challenges. Here is a brief overview of the day:

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction Theme 2022

In 2022, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme was "Substantially increase the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessment to people by 2030."

It focused on the best practices of international cooperation in line with Target G of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). These practices have positively impacted people's lives in disaster-prone parts of the world and helped reduce the number of civilians affected by man-made and natural hazards. Today's advanced technology helps us to understand several calamities of the past. It also indicates new climate and disaster risks that will emerge in the future.

The occasion of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction prevents and prepares for disasters of climate change, extreme weather, and environmental degradation that cause great social and economic upheaval and displace millions of people every year.

History of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

In 1989, the UNGA decided to raise awareness about the global culture of risk- and disaster reduction. In 2009, the UNGA officially proclaimed 13th October as the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. This day aims to fulfill the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction targets.

The Sendai Framework was adopted to attain disaster risk reduction and improve the economic, social, cultural, and environmental assets of individuals and communities over the next 15 years. It was adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, in 2015. It addresses the essential steps that need to be taken by nations for disaster risk reduction.

The Sendai Framework is action-oriented and people-centric when it comes to its approach to disaster risk reduction. It applies to small-scale and large-scale disasters that are due to either man-made, natural, environmental, technological, or biological hazards.

Objectives of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

The main objective of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is to monitor actions on disaster risk reduction and take measures to build and maintain the resilience of cities prone to disaster. This is achieved by:

• Disaster risk reduction by implementing a risk reduction process in urban development and design.
• Assisting countries in designing policies and legislative frameworks for disaster reduction.
• Working in line with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with experts, practitioners, and innovators to reduce disaster risk and investigate the state of risk around the world by studying new, emerging trends, disturbing patterns, etc.
• Following the outlines of the Sendai Framework by enhancing disaster preparedness, strengthening disaster risk governance, understanding disaster risk, and investigating disaster resilience.

FAQs on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Q.1. When is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction?

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is observed on 13th October every year. The United Nations General Assembly announced this day to reduce disaster risk worldwide. International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is celebrated annually around the world.

Q.2. Why is International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction important?

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction highlights the achievements of the people and communities around the globe that are helping to reduce exposure to disasters and raise awareness about the importance of global disaster risk management.

Q.3. When was International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction proclaimed by the UN?

In 1989, the UN decided to raise awareness about the global risk- and disaster-reduction culture. It officially proclaimed 13th October as the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2009. This day has been celebrated each year since then.

Q.4. What is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme 2022?

The theme for International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 is "Substantially increase the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessment to people by 2030."

Q.5. What is the objective of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction?

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction aims to reduce the state of disaster risk around the globe by investigating emerging trends and assisting disaster-prone areas in risk management.