Earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanoes, floods, cyclones, droughts… These natural hazards can turn into disasters if we are not well prepared. Over the last 20 years, disasters have claimed more than 1.35 million lives and displaced around 4 billion people from their homes. Water-related disasters accounted for 90% of the most severe disasters that have occurred since 1990, while around 60% of fatalities were due to earthquakes and tsunamis.
UNESCO supports its Member States in building more resilient societies through the implementation of international agreements such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. UNESCO’s efforts in disaster risk reduction particularly contribute to its global priorities: Africa and Small Island Developing States, with actions targeting youth and gender equality.
