The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) takes place annually on 13 October and aims to raise awareness of disaster risks and their impacts. Established by the United Nations, this international observance highlights the importance of prevention, preparedness and resilience in addressing disasters and climate-related risks. It provides an opportunity to draw attention to the impacts of disasters on societies, economies, infrastructure and ecosystems around the world.
Each year, a specific theme takes centre stage, addressing current challenges and priorities in disaster risk reduction. The IDDRR brings together governments, international organisations, academia, civil society, the private sector and local communities to exchange knowledge and promote joint action.
It highlights that many disaster risks can be reduced through forward-looking planning, good governance, early warning systems and resilient development. The observance supports the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and contributes to promoting safe and resilient societies. Its focus is on an approach that does not wait for disasters to occur, but instead aims to identify risks at an early stage, prevent them where possible and reduce their impacts.
13 October
09:30–19:30:
RISK Annual Colloquium 2026: Resilient Society, Stable Infrastructure – Sustainable Reconstruction after Conflicts
(In person | UniCasino)
[Further information]
11:00:
Connecting Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation – Climate-Resilient Regions on the Road to 2030
(Online)
[Further information]
13:00–16:00:
Geneva Youth Festival – International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
(In person | Geneva)
[Further information]
14 October
09:30–17:00:
From Knowledge to Action: Communication for a Safer World
(Online | In person, Geneva)
[Further information]
10:00–12:00:
When Home Is Lost: From Prevention to Durable Solutions for Disaster Displacement
(Online | In person, Geneva)
[Further information]
14:30–16:30:
Resilient Housing in a Changing Risk Landscape – A Geneva Roundtable
(In person | Geneva)
[Further information]
15 October
09:30–16:30:
Facing Extreme Heat in Europe: Reviewing Summer 2026 – Preparing for Summer 2027
(In person | Geneva)
[Further information]
All dates and further information can be found on our website in our events calendar.