We owe it to future generations to build a safe future, UN chief says on International Day – Global Issues
In a message marking Sunday’s Day for Disaster Reduction, António Guterres highlighted the devastating impact of disasters on children.
“When disasters strike, they cause great damage to people, communities and economies. The consequences of death, destruction and displacement are unimaginable. Today, disasters are often exacerbated by the climate crisis, increasing their frequency and intensity,” he said.
“No one is safe, but children are especially vulnerable,” he added.
One billion children are at high risk
According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), nearly one billion children are “extremely vulnerable” to climate change. In recent years there have been the highest levels of children affected by devastating floods in more than three decades.
After disasters, children face disruptions in education, nutrition, and health care. They often lose access to essential social services and protection, while girls and children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to dangerous situations.
Children from disadvantaged families are disproportionately affected, which further deepens the challenges they face to recover from both disasters and the effects of climate change.
© UNICEF/Rabik Upadhyay
A mother comforts her child in a town outside Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, after heavy rains and floods have affected tens of thousands of families.
Children are more than victims
Despite their weaknesses, Mr. Guterres emphasized that children are not the only victims of the disaster.
“They have a big hand in the future, too their ideas and innovations can help reduce risk and build resilience.”
He reiterated the theme of this year’s International Day: the role of education in protecting and developing youth for a disaster-free future.
“Education is important not only to protect children but to enable them to participate in decision making to reduce the risk for all,” he said.
Key steps to reduce risk
The Secretary-General urged countries to take strong measures to reduce risks to children, including expanding multi-risk warning programs to reach all citizens; building and rehabilitating schools for disaster resilience; and empowering youth with the tools to become champions of fitness.
He also encouraged governments to implement the Comprehensive School Safety Framework, a guide for advancing disaster reduction and resilience in the education sector. This framework provides practical tools and guidelines for education services, disaster management authorities, and other stakeholders to promote safe learning environments.
“On this International Day for Disaster Reduction, and every day, we owe it to future generations to build a safe, sustainable future,” said Mr. Guterres.
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