A Guide to Celebrating International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction at Work

What is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction?

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), is a global initiative for informing the public about disaster risk reduction and mitigation procedures. It’s celebrated every year on October 13 with different themes to acknowledge the progress made in reducing disaster risks and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health, aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

History

The IDDRR has origins tracing back to 1989. It was originally called the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, following a call from the UN General Assembly to promote a global culture of disaster risk awareness, reduction, and preparedness. Its main goal was to raise awareness about the growing risks posed by natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and mitigation strategies.

In 2009, it was renamed to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to encompass a broader range of risks. No longer focusing on natural disasters, the UN called for organizations to also look into disasters exacerbated by human activities and climate change in their efforts to celebrate. Then, in 2015,, the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan,  resulted in the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which sets global targets for reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience.

Why is it Celebrated

The UN establishes international days, such as those focused on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), as general advocacy tools that, when paired with yearly themes, make them more inclusive and relevant to today’s problems around the world. These themes help organizations and communities create meaningful activities, turning international days into strong platforms for awareness and action.

The Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 states that the estimated financial damage due to disasters have risen by $202 billion annually. However, its true cost could be up to 11 times higher. That’s why the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction carries the theme “ Fund Resilience, Not Disasters .” This year serves as a wake-up call for governments and organizations to invest in resilience today, so we don’t pay the price for disasters tomorrow.

In addition to promoting a culture of increased disaster awareness and preparedness, some other reasons IDDRR is celebrated include the following:

• To provide more insights into the need for proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of disasters on communities and nations.

• To encourage more active and engaging participation from individuals, communities, and governments in building disaster-resilient societies.

• To highlight the importance of education in disaster preparedness, as it can significantly reduce risks and enhance community resilience.

How to Celebrate International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Workplace

As celebrating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is a worldwide affair, workplaces and employers have a duty to know how to best do so while taking into account how their employees may be receptive to different initiatives. Some ways this day may be celebrated at work include the following:

For General Workplaces

How Workplaces Can Observe International Disaster Risk Reduction Day

Provide Disaster Preparedness Training

Organize workshops, training sessions, drills, and seminars that focus on disaster preparedness, risk management, and resilience-building strategies. Invite experts to discuss relevant topics such as emergency response plans, evacuation procedures, and safety protocols. Follow these up with mobile-ready training materials and courses t hat can be accessed at any time.

Promote Worker Safety Checklists

Empower workers to observe proper safety and disaster preparedness protocols with the help of their ready-made checklists for emergencies. They can use these to ensure their personal first aid kits are sufficiently stocked, they have the necessary contact numbers, and they know of the proper evacuation and emergency procedures.

These preparedness checklists also help ensure that workplace equipment, tools, and assets are in good working condition, which is essential in preparing for and preventing disasters.

Encourage CSR on Disaster Risk Reduction

As part of your company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, consider creating and implementing initiatives that give employees a chance to participate in local community events related to DRR. This could involve volunteering for organizations focused on emergency preparedness or participating in local drills.

For Schools

How Schools Can Observe International Disaster Risk Reduction Day

Although it was the 2024 theme for International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, its focus on youth and schools remains just as relevant today. Here are a few simple ways to help prevent accidents during disasters:

School-wide Training

Organize workshops, games, and lessons that educate both teachers and students about disaster risks and preparedness. Topics can include emergency response plans, first aid training, and understanding natural hazards.

Teacher-specific Briefing

Teachers will be the first line of defense and the leaders in times of disasters, so they must be the most well-equipped for them. Provide them with mobile-ready training courses so they can conduct refresher training on their own time and properly inform students about them, ensuring they are always prepared and aware of possible changes in protocol.

Student Surveys

With digital forms easily accessible to teachers, they can easily conduct regular surveys on students on disaster preparedness. Use their findings to enhance disaster risk reduction plans and efforts.

Regular Maintenance

Ensure all school equipment is properly maintained with an asset management system that allows teachers, school owners, and maintenance personnel to keep track of their usage history and conditions. Use templated checklists to streamline maintenance tasks and easily identify possible issues and concerns.

Fleet Management

Regular fleet management and maintenance checks of school buses are also essential to keeping students and staff prepared for disasters. Orient bus drivers on proper safety protocols for emergencies and keep buses in good working order.