Empowering the next generation for a resilient future

We expect more than words on paper and promises. We expect action. Action on a big scale. Getrude Clement, a 16-year-old from Tanzania at the UN General Assembly on Climate Action in 2016

This call to action emphasizes the pressing need for tangible measures to address the challenges faced by youth in the context of disaster risk reduction (DRR). One billion children are vulnerable to climate change impacts every year, according to a recent study published by the Global Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in the Education Sector (GADRRRES). On a broader scale, the current youth population (ages 15-24) stands at 1.2 billion - accounting for 16% of the global population. The impact of natural hazards on this demographic is of particular concern, given the increasing intensity and frequency of such events.

Since 2000, disasters have disrupted the lives of over 1 billion children, with more than 80,000 schools damaged or destroyed. It is estimated that each year, approximately 175 million children are likely to be affected by natural hazard-related disasters. These statistics highlight the urgent need for action to empower and protect the next generation.⁠

A global perspective on youth and disasters

Disasters have unequal global impacts, with young individuals often experiencing disproportionate consequences. Children and youth are amongst the most vulnerable demographic, enduring severe effects on their health, education, and overall well-being.

Climate change intensifies both the frequency and severity of natural hazards, putting vulnerable youth in increasingly perilous circumstances. Recent UNICEF data reveals that over the past six years, approximately 43.1 million children have been internally displaced due to weather-related events, with 90% forced to leave their homes due to floods and storms.

Disasters exacerbate inequalities amongst youth, with young women and girls facing particularly elevated risks. In the aftermath of catastrophes, they become more susceptible to gender-based violence. The gender disparity in disaster impacts is notable: Women are 14 times more likely than men to lose their lives during disasters.

Concentrating efforts on protecting and empowering youth, including young women and girls, is not solely about safeguarding individuals - it represents an investment in the resilience of entire communities. Equipping today's youth with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to confront disasters contributes to building a more resilient future for all.

Malta's youth engagement challenge

A case study from Malta exemplifies the educational challenges uncovered by the EU funded SYNERGIES project (2023-2026), which investigates novel approaches for disseminating disaster preparedness information. Despite a rich history and vibrant culture, a significant challenge was identified in Malta: low youth participation in disaster risk reduction initiatives. At a recent SYNERGIES workshop, local stakeholders reported minimal social media engagement from youths on disaster risk reduction topics, along with a general sense of complacency about potential earthquake risks. Traditional outreach channels such as schools and community centers were reported to have shown limited effectiveness in reaching and motivating young people.

To address this challenge, SYNERGIES is implementing innovative strategies tailored to the Maltese context. These include interactive digital platforms, gamification of DRR concepts, and peer-to-peer learning programs. By leveraging these youth-centric approaches, the project aims to bridge the engagement gap and foster a culture of disaster resilience among Malta's young population.

This scenario in Malta is not an isolated case but rather a microcosm of a global challenge. It highlights the urgent need for innovative approaches to empower youth in DRR practices.

Fostering the next generation of proactive leaders

Recognizing these challenges, UNESCO participates with partners in Horizon projects, funded by the European Union, to strengthen current practices and empower youth through disaster risk reduction. Through a series of initiatives and summer schools, UNESCO and its partners are fostering a new generation of resilient, informed, and proactive young leaders.

One of these initiatives is the summer school program organized through the Community Resilience and Heritage Drivers (RESILIAGE) and the Nature-Based Solutions for Local Urban Infrastructure (NBSINFRA) Horizon projects (2023-2026). This program brings together young minds from various backgrounds to delve into community resilience and nature-based solutions for mitigating disaster risks. Beyond imparting disaster risk reduction knowledge, these programs foster a dynamic environment for participants to exchange experiences and build networks with peers from across the globe. This initiative has shown promising results, as exemplified by the testimony of Daria Brancart, an entrepreneur and researcher at the Catholic University of Leuven, who stated that "I not only redefined my research, viewing it through fresh interdisciplinary lenses, but I also grasped the complete picture I had long been searching for."

The impact extends beyond academia. Yue Pan, a PhD Researcher from the Department of Architecture and Design at Politecnico di Torino, Italy, noted, "I feel more confident and prepared to engage in future projects that aim to protect and celebrate heritage." This holistic approach to learning and problem-solving is crucial in addressing the complex challenges of disaster risk reduction.

These programs foster a sense of community among participants, creating a global network of young professionals dedicated to building resilience as they continue to collaborate on the projects they started during class. This network effect amplifies the summer schools' impact beyond their duration.

Another initiative is in Guatemala, where the UNESCO educational guidelines on building construction created through the project Building Capacity to Reduce Disaster Risk in the Built Environment (BERLAC) (2020-2023) have been implemented across several universities. Rafael Landivar University, Da Vinci University, and San Carlos University, have incorporated these guidelines into their academic and research systems. The widespread adoption of these guidelines is also showcased by the distribution of printed materials, with 85% of the 1000 originally printed guidelines already disseminated.

The impact of the BERLAC project also extends far beyond academia. The Guatemalan government is actively promoting capacity building using these guidelines, influencing both academic and professional domains. An estimated 4650 people have been trained through various channels, including workshops, municipalities, government and academic institutions.

By fostering this culture of preparedness and empowering youth to take an active role in DRR efforts, UNESCO is not only building resilience in these communities, but also creating a model that can be adapted and implemented in other regions facing similar challenges.

Education as the cornerstone of resilient communities

UNESCO's strategy is built on a fundamental principle: education forms the foundation for building resilient youth communities. The integration of disaster risk reduction into educational frameworks and the promotion of intergenerational learning, as exemplified in the Crete CORE (Community Resilience) Laboratory of the RESILIAGE project, goes beyond merely raising awareness about potential risks. This approach aims to equip a new generation with the necessary tools to actively mitigate these risks.

The involvement of youth in community resilience is of paramount importance. As Irina Pavlova, Project Officer at UNESCO, emphasizes: "Young people are not just beneficiaries of DRR efforts, but key actors in building resilience. Their fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and digital savviness are invaluable assets in developing and implementing effective DRR strategies." Engaging youth in DRR initiatives taps into a wellspring of creativity and energy that can drive transformative change in communities.

Furthermore, the involvement of youth in DRR efforts generates a multiplier effect. As young individuals acquire knowledge and become more engaged, they function as information channels to their families and broader communities. This process fosters a culture of preparedness that extends beyond educational institutions. Such an approach not only bolsters immediate community resilience but also ensures the long-term sustainability of disaster risk reduction efforts.

Bridging science and local knowledge

UNESCO's approach to Disaster Risk Reduction focuses on integrating scientific knowledge with local and indigenous wisdom. This perspective aims to develop culturally relevant and sustainable DRR strategies that benefit students and communities.

The Comprehensive School Safety Framework, endorsed in over 70 countries, combines modern risk assessment techniques with local knowledge of hazards. In Haiti, for example, students learn about earthquake and hurricane preparedness by combining modern seismological data with training in seismic and paracyclonic construction techniques. This approach integrates risk management principles with practical skills, as demonstrated by recent workshops where engineers learned about 3D printing for seismic reinforcement, while masons were trained in chain-link masonry.

UNESCO facilitates dialogue between different knowledge systems, bringing together scientists, educators, community leaders, and students. This interdisciplinary approach aims to promote school safety and community resilience while ensuring education continues even in challenging circumstances.

These efforts are directed towards educating youth about disaster risk reduction and equipping them with both global scientific understanding and the local knowledge. The goal is to prepare them to address the complex challenges posed by climate change in their schools and communities.

Gaïa Pierre, a UNESCO intern and Disaster Risk Management student, emphasizes the importance of youth involvement in DRR. She shares, "As a young person in this field, I've seen how crucial it is to engage our generation. It's about empowering us to take action. During my internship, I helped organize a summer school on Nature-Based Solutions for disaster mitigation, which was incredibly inspiring." Gaia highlighted the significance of combining scientific knowledge with local wisdom to develop effective, context-specific solutions. She believes education is key in showing young people their power to reduce disaster impacts on communities.

Initiatives, like the NBSINFRA summer school that Gaia participated in, aim to engage young people and universities in producing and sharing knowledge about disaster resilience. These programs contribute to the development of individuals capable of building more resilient communities in the face of a changing world.

Shaping a more resilient world through youth engagement

While progress has been made in youth-focused Disaster Risk Reduction programs, challenges like resource constraints and rapidly changing environmental risks persist. However, these challenges also present opportunities, particularly through technology and social media, for youth engagement and education.

Gaia Pierre's words highlight a crucial truth: "Empowering the next generation for a disaster-resilient future goes beyond preparedness - it's about giving young people the tools and confidence to lead." This investment in youth education and empowerment cultivates future leaders who can innovate and safeguard community resilience.

Sofia Darbesio, a PhD Researcher who participated in the RESILIAGE summer school, emphasizes: "We are not just learning about disaster risk reduction; we are becoming the change-makers our communities need." This spirit of empowerment provides hope for a more resilient future where youth take active leadership roles in shaping a safer, more sustainable world for all.