As global threats from climate change and disasters rise, the 2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), which took place on 13 October 2024, underscored a pivotal topic: empowering the next generation for a resilient future. Disasters continue to shape our world, making it crucial to equip young people with skills, knowledge, and tools to reduce risk and enhance resilience. This year's theme, "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future," emphasises the significance of education, particularly in technical subjects, to ensure that youth are prepared to face these problems. To effectively use education to protect and empower young people for a disaster-free world, young girls' participation and engagement must be prioritized in these efforts.

Building technical skills: The foundation of disaster resilience

Effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) requires a multidisciplinary approach that includes geotechnical engineering, water resource management, urban planning, and environmental sciences. The complexity and size of today's dangers require training young people in these technological fields to find solutions that improve community resilience and infrastructure robustness. Yet, the underrepresentation of women in these areas remains a significant challenge. Despite making up nearly half the global population, only 30% of researchers are women, and their numbers in technical sectors essential to DRR are even smaller. Geotechnical, structural, and environmental engineering are vital for disaster preparedness but remain male-dominated. The underrepresentation of women, especially young girls, limits innovation and diversity, missing valuable opportunities for developing more effective catastrophe risk management solutions.

Bridging the gender gap in disaster risk reduction: Empowering women in technical fields

Despite advancements in gender equality, women and girls remain underrepresented in technical fields critical to DRR. Closing this gap is essential for effective disaster management, as diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and innovation. Encouraging women to enter professions like geotechnical and structural engineering is crucial for designing disaster-resistant infrastructure and creating resilient cities. Women in water resources and environmental engineering contribute to managing floods, droughts, and climate change, while fields like transportation engineering, construction management, and urban planning are vital for building safer, more resilient communities. However, many young girls, particularly in low-resource areas, face obstacles in accessing education in these technical disciplines. Overcoming these barriers will not only promote gender equality but also empower communities by making disaster risk management more inclusive and robust. Increasing female representation in DRR professions is key to fostering a more resilient future for all.

Promoting risk awareness: The role of education

Technical education must become a priority to bridge this gap. By 2030, the world will see 850 million girls under the age of 18, representing an immense opportunity for driving resilience efforts. Educational programs that focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are vital in preparing the next generation for leadership roles in DRR. These fields require urgent attention to close the gender gap and bring more diverse perspectives into disaster preparedness, management, and resilience.

Practical learning opportunities, such as internships, simulations, and community-based DRR, offer real-world applications of technical skills enable young people to apply their technological skills to real-life situations. Mentorship programs that connect girls with women engineers, urban planners, and policymakers can motivate them to seek careers in disaster risk management while providing practical advice for professional development. In doing so, young people can gain the skills required to lead local and global DRR efforts. Empowering students, particularly girls, with such tools ensures they become active participants in reducing disaster risks, contributing to both their personal growth and community resilience.

Intergenerational collaboration: Harnessing the power of shared knowledge

Resilience is about learning from the past and recycling knowledge to prepare for future challenges. Effective disaster risk reduction requires intergenerational collaboration, blending the wisdom of older generations with modern solutions. Older people contribute time-tested knowledge, such as resilient farming techniques and community-based strategies, while continuing education ensures their skills evolve with changing circumstances. At the same time, mentorship by older people provides younger generations with essential life skills and historical insights. Through community learning initiatives and inclusive disaster planning, we foster ongoing education for older generations and mentorship for the youth, creating stronger, more adaptive communities better equipped to face future challenges.

Shaping a resilient tomorrow: Empowering women and girls to lead in disaster risk reduction

As we reflect on this year's International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, it is clear that the future of resilience depends on empowering youth—particularly young girls and women—with the right skills and opportunities. By promoting technical education, breaking down gender barriers, and encouraging collaboration between generations, we can build a more inclusive and resilient world. Together, we can ensure that the next generation is not only prepared to face disasters but also leads the way creating a safer, more sustainable future.