Concept note: The International day in memory of the victims of earthquakes
The international day provides an annual opportunity for remembrance and renewed commitment to protecting lives and livelihoods from earthquake disasters. The Day echoes the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which underscores the importance of understanding disaster risk, developing disaster risk reduction plans, investing in resilience, and enhancing preparedness to “build back better” after disasters.
In commemorating this Day, countries and partners are called to:
Reflect: honour those who lost their lives and stand in solidarity with survivors, including through psychosocial support and memorials.
Share and scale what works: exchange good practices and tested actions that reduce earthquake risk: policies, codes, retrofitting approaches, financing models, community engagement, and school- and workplace-based preparedness, so countries can adapt and implement them on the ground.
Communicate earthquake risk: use the Day to raise awareness of earthquake risk, build trust in institutions, and support informed preparedness and decision-making across society.
Ready systems: address underlying risk drivers through risk-informed development planning; strengthen preparedness, enforce and improve building codes, and plan for resilient recovery before disasters occur; and prioritize resilient infrastructure and retrofitting of critical facilities including schools, hospitals and lifelines.
Resource resilience: mobilize finance and partnerships for risk-informed investments, prioritizing support to high-risk and vulnerable countries and local implementers.
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