International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, 13 October
The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is an opportunity to acknowledge the progress being made toward reducing disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health. The 2021 edition focuses on “International cooperation for developing countries to reduce their disaster risk and disaster losses.”
International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW) had set up the “Disaster Intervention, Climate Change, and Sustainability Committee” in 2010. Its aim was to prepare policies, materials and inputs into the United Nations’ discussions on climate change and other disasters.
Prof. Lena Dominelli Chair, Disaster Intervention, Climate Change and Sustainability Committee represents the voice of IASSW at UNFCCC COP meetings each year, either physically or virtually. Prof. Dominelli says, “Climate change is one of the greatest crises threatening the life of every living person, animal and plant on the earth and the physical fabric of our living planet itself. IASSW is working hard in curriculum development and placement opportunities to encourage all social work students to engage in public education and action undertaken by statutory bodies and civil society organizations on climate change. Social workers and social work organizations across the world are urged to start working together to reduce disaster risk and losses. Additionally, those educators, researchers, students and practice educators in the Global North are encouraged to lobby and mobilize in solidarity with disaster mitigation initiatives to assist colleagues in the Global South.”