Disaster risk reduction: How philanthropy can empower a resilient future
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) helps communities by “preventing new and reducing existing disaster risk and managing residual risk.”
In recognition of October’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy hosted a webinar to educate funders about their role in helping communities build resilience by reducing risk.
Disasters are not natural; therefore, philanthropy can take action to reduce disaster risk. And yet, only a small fraction of disaster giving goes to mitigation, resilience and preparedness efforts. By investing in DRR, philanthropy can save money and lives and reduce harm when a disaster hits.
This year’s DRR day theme, “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” highlights the importance of safe and disaster-resilient schools and age-appropriate education for children. Since 2000, over 80,000 schools have been damaged or destroyed, and 1 billion children have faced disruptions from disasters. Additionally, almost half of the world’s 2.2 billion children live in a country classified as “extremely high-risk” to experience impacts from disasters.
CDP’s Senior Manager of Strategy and Research, Austin Snowbarger, moderated the discussion with the following panelists:
- Paola Albrito, Director, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
- Lisa Butenhoff, Head of Anticipatory Action, Save the Children International
This webinar was co-sponsored by the Council on Foundations, Alliance Magazine, Philanthropy New York, The Funders Network, Giving Compass, United Philanthropy Forum and Grantmakers for Thriving Youth.
Please see the slide deck, read the recap and watch the webinar recording to learn more:
