Guterres: We owe it to future generations to shape a safer, more resilient tomorrow

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the devastating impacts of disasters in his message for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. Guterres highlighted that disasters unleash unimaginable destruction on individuals, societies, and economies, and their effects are being exacerbated by the climate crisis, making them more frequent and severe.

“No one is safe from disasters,” Guterres said, “but children are particularly vulnerable.” He pointed to the alarming rise in the number of children affected by destructive flooding, with recent years marking the highest numbers in more than three decades. Guterres warned that, in the aftermath of a disaster, children’s education, nutrition, and healthcare face serious disruptions.

Yet, Guterres stressed that children are not just victims. “They have a significant stake in the future, and their ideas and innovations can help reduce risk and build resilience.” He called attention to the crucial role education plays, not only in protecting children but in empowering them to participate in decision-making that can reduce risks for all.

Guterres urged countries to take concrete steps to protect children, including ensuring universal multi-hazard early warning systems, constructing disaster-resilient schools, adopting the Comprehensive School Safety Framework, and providing young people with the tools they need to become champions of resilience.

“As we mark this International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Guterres concluded, “we owe it to future generations to shape a safer, more resilient tomorrow.”