International Day for Disaster Reduction

International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) is a global observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing the risks associated with disasters and promoting a culture of prevention and preparedness. The United Nations (UN) recognises the significance of this day, stressing the need for collaboration among governments, communities, and individuals to ensure the safety and well-being of people. The observance focuses on resilience-building measures, disaster risk management, and the importance of implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a global blueprint for reducing disaster risks and losses.

The UN General Assembly declared IDDR in 1989, inspired by the devastating earthquake in Armenia in 1988. For New Zealanders, disaster reduction is highly relevant due to the country's geological and climatological predispositions to various hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storms, and flooding. With a heightened vulnerability to natural disasters due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire and exposure to extreme weather events, it is imperative for New Zealand to adopt comprehensive disaster risk reduction strategies and integrate them into national policies and development plans.

In New Zealand, the IDDR is observed through various activities aimed at raising awareness and enhancing community preparedness and resilience. These initiatives include educational campaigns, workshops, and discussions that involve local authorities, civil society, and the general public. The activities encourage citizens to take proactive measures in protecting lives, property, and the environment from the impacts of disasters. International Day for Disaster Reduction usually takes place annually on 13th October, with specific events and activities organised across the country to mark the occasion and foster a strong commitment to reducing disaster risks and building a safer and more resilient nation.