Crises and natural disasters are increasingly disrupting education systems worldwide, impacting millions of children. As climate change accelerates, these challenges are becoming more frequent and severe. In 2023 and 2024, Europe and Central Asia experienced devastating wildfires and floods, underscoring the vulnerability of children and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness.
Recognising the importance of equipping younger generations to face these challenges, the recent webinar “Empowering Children and Youth on Disaster Risk Reduction” focused on building resilience through education. Organised as part of the Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) held in Budva, Montenegro (6–8 November 2024) by UNESCO, GADRRRES, UNICEF and Save the Children Italia, this event brought together experts to explore strategies to safeguard children’s education and enhance disaster preparedness.
The webinar delved into the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF), a globally adopted strategy emphasising:
- Safe learning environments: building schools that protect children during disasters
- Disaster risk reduction education: integrating DRR into curricula to empower students with knowledge and skills
- Disaster preparedness: ensuring continuity of education during emergencies
The CSSF has already been adopted by over 70 countries, providing governments and communities with practical tools to protect education systems from future disruptions.
This webinar resonates strongly with the goals of the SYNERGIES project. By focusing on early warning systems, community-driven strategies, and fostering a culture of preparedness, SYNERGIES aligns with the objectives of the EFDRR Roadmap 2021–2030. Just as SYNERGIES leverages real-life preparedness cases in Malta, La Réunion, and Rotterdam to build resilience, the CSSF showcases how education can be a cornerstone of disaster risk reduction.
In addittion, two partners of the project, CCSTI Sciences Réunion and Save the Children, played a great role in the discussions. Representing these organizations, Aurélie Dubard-Grondin (CCSTI Sciences Réunion) and Francesco Graziani (Save the Children) brought valuable perspectives to the table.
- Aurélie Dubard-Grondin explored the meaning and implications of endorsing the Comprehensive School Safety Framework.
- Francesco Graziani shared insights from the “Feel Safe” school project, an initiative launched after the floods in Emilia-Romagna.
Watch the webinar
If you missed the session, the recording is now available! Gain insights into the transformative role of education in disaster preparedness and discover how communities across Europe and Central Asia are working together to ensure no child is left behind during a crisis.
