Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction in education can save million lives
UNESCO Bangkok Director Gwang-Jo Kim stressed the importance of investing in the ‘Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in education’ at the South East Asia Minister of Education (SEAMEO) High Officials Meeting.
“Disaster Risk Reduction in education can help save lives and prevent injuries; curtail periodic educational deprivation of learners; and that it can build people’s resilience towards hazards,” Mr Kim stated.
The Asia-Pacific region is prone to disaster. The region shares a third of the word’s natural disasters, and 90 percent of the world disaster victims are found in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mr. Kim also highlighted the impact of disaster on economic production, citing that South East Asia cumulative loss for 2011 stood at US$ 6.3 billion.
UNICEF senior education specialist Mr. Gary Ovington stressed the importance of a paradigm shift in terms of policy. This includes the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction into existing educational programs; developing new policies; and the implementation of such plans and policies.
This SEAMEO annual event brought together vice-ministers, permanent secretaries, director generals and senior officials in the education ministries of its member states. It was held at the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok on 18 January 2012.
By Tshepo Gwatiwa, UNESCO Bangkok
