International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
13 October 2024
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction addresses the reciprocal relationship between vulnerability to disasters and inequality. They are two sides of the same coin. While unequal access to services such as finance and insurance leaves the most at-risk people exposed to danger, the impacts of these disasters exacerbate inequality, pushing the most at-risk groups deeper into poverty.
The UN General Assembly decided to designate October 13 as “International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction” (resolution 44/236) to raise awareness among governments and the public to take measures to minimize risks. Likewise, disasters, many of which have been aggravated by climate change, have a negative impact on sustainable development and the desired results.
Universities in Latin America and the Caribbean are key to mitigating these risks in the region.