International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
Natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or tsunamis can trigger disasters when coupled with vulnerability and inadequate measures to mitigate their impacts. These disasters affect millions of people worldwide each year. However, the impact of natural hazards can be reduced through proactive, systematic efforts to analyze and decrease the causal factors of disasters.
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held each year on 13 October, celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to natural hazards.
Although it is impossible to completely eliminate disaster risk, prevention and preparedness can greatly improve the resilience of local communities. UNESCO advocates for a shift in emphasis from post-disaster reaction to pre-disaster action. UNESCO also helps countries build their capacities in managing disaster and climate risk.
2023 theme
The Day also serves as a reminder of what remains to be done to reduce disaster risk. Each year’s theme aligns with the Sendai Framework to prevent and reduce losses in lives, livelihoods, economies and basic infrastructure. In 2023, the International Day focuses on the reciprocal relationship between disasters and inequality with the theme “Fighting inequality for a resilient future”.
Join the conversation with the hashtags #BreakTheCycle #DRRDay
UNESCO's contribution to disaster risk reduction
"Although hazards may be unpredictable, their impacts and outcomes need not be – especially when we pool our expertise at the global level. By working together, we can prepare for and prevent disasters, in order to protect communities. On this International Day, I call on everyone, everywhere, to join our efforts to reduce disaster risk."
"UNESCO is committed to helping communities address the catastrophic consequences of natural hazards – not only by reacting after they occur, but also by working beforehand to diminish their harmful effects."
