International day of disaster risk reduction (IDDRR) 2025 in Ethiopia

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is observed globally on 13 October to promote a culture of disaster risk awareness and reduction. The 2025 theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” calls for a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive investment in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience-building.

In Ethiopia, the 15th national commemoration of IDDRR will be held in Semera, Afar Regional State, bringing together senior government officials, United Nations agencies, international organizations, civil society, academia, and community representatives. The event will showcase Ethiopia’s progress, partnerships, and innovations in strengthening disaster resilience, particularly in climate-vulnerable regions.

Ethiopia is highly exposed to a range of hazards including droughts, floods, landslides, and disease outbreaks. These risks are intensified by climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The Afar Region, in particular, faces frequent climate shocks and is a strategic location for demonstrating community-based resilience and early warning systems.

This year’s commemoration reflects Ethiopia’s growing commitment to disaster risk governance, as seen in the revision of its national Disaster Risk Management (DRM) policy and the integration of DRR into development planning. The event also aligns with Ethiopia’s efforts to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, contribute to Agenda 2063, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).