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UNDRR News

The latest news from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the lead UN agency for the coordination of disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Tsunami Evacuation sign
Op Ed
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was my crash course in disaster risk reduction

India’s 2004 tsunami response improved disaster risk management and early warning systems, leading to stronger policies, community resilience, and regional cooperation for future preparedness.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Tonga drill
Update
Indian Ocean tsunami anniversary: A call to safeguard future generations

On the sombre twentieth anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami, a disaster that claimed over 230,000 lives across 14 nations, UN officials on Thursday called for a renewed global commitment to safeguard future generations from similar catastrophes.

United Nations - Headquarters
Tsunami 2004 remembrance day card with a black background and the message written in white
Update
“The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a wake-up call for humanity” – SRSG Kamal Kishore

On 26 December 2004, the world experienced one of the most devastating disasters in recent history when the Indian Ocean tsunami struck with unprecedented force, claiming around 230,000 lives and wreaking havoc on fourteen countries.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
This is a participant group photo from the CRM workshop Ghana
Update
Ghana champions the integration of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation

The Government of Ghana and UNDRR organized a joint three-day workshop to foster integration between disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation (CCA) and national development planning in Ghana.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Port Zante in Basseterre town, St. Kitts And Nevis
Feature
Reflecting on 20 Years: How the Indian Ocean Tsunami shaped disaster preparedness in the Caribbean

The profound lessons learned from this disaster have been instrumental in shaping disaster preparedness strategies worldwide, including in the Caribbean.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean
School evacuation drills in Egypt
Update
UNDRR ROAS highlights IDDRR 2024 across the Arab Region

This year, UNDRR ROAS marked IDDRR through diverse events across the Arab region, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in protecting children and youth from disasters while empowering them to contribute to disaster-resilient communities.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Arab States
UNDRR COP16 side-event “Resilience and Biodiversity Conservation through Indigenous Knowledge” 
Update
Elevating the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in nature and disaster resilience

Indigenous Peoples are stewards of biodiversity, yet are remain disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters. Recognizing their role in DRR and conservation efforts is essential to adress common global agendas.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean
Eight participants from the Managing transboundary water risks in the Horn of Africa event stood together for a group photo, outdoors
Update
Managing transboundary water risks in the Horn of Africa

From 9 to 13 December 2024 in Kampala, Uganda, experts from disaster management, meteorology, and hydrology authorities from across the region gathered to address the transboundary challenges posed by drought and flood in the Horn of Africa.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Africa
The Future of Risk Communications is Community Engagement
Op Ed
The future of risk communications is community engagement

True strategic risk communication reaches the whole community, ensuring that everyone, including the most vulnerable populations, are equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to respond effectively.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction – Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
SMEProjectDubai
Press release
Strengthening SME Resilience: Highlights from the Nov. 25 Workshop in Dubai

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) successfully concluded a key workshop under its "Strengthening the Disaster Resilience of SMEs" project, bringing together representatives from Spain, Barbados, and Japan

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
UNDRR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE)

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