The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has published a free online course for journalists and media professionals worldwide entitled ‘Covering Disasters from a Different Lens’. The aim is to make reporting on disasters fact-based, responsible and solution-oriented – thereby strengthening risk awareness, preparedness and resilience in society.
In times of disinformation and misinformation, the media plays a central role in the early warning chain: it conveys vital information before, during and after disaster events. The course provides basic knowledge on disaster risk reduction, climate change and vulnerability, as well as practical approaches for inclusive, contextualised reporting.
The course comprises ten modules, quizzes, reflection tasks and the interactive learning game ‘Stop Disasters,’ which illustrates how political and planning decisions influence disaster risks. Participants work through the content at their own pace and receive a certificate upon completion.
The course is open to the public and can be started at any time. If you have any questions, please contact UNDRR at preventionweb@un.org. Further information and registration can be found here.
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