Registration: 

In-person Registration: https://indico.un.org/event/1020567  

Virtual participation registration: https://undp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wI2LZAp1Riqsh3DbNG6kGA

The Asia-Pacific region is the most disaster-prone in the world, exposed to a wide range of geophysical and climate-related hazards that continue to impact human development, livelihoods, and human security. As risks become increasingly complex and interconnected, strengthening disaster preparedness through inclusive, people-centred approaches is more critical than ever. 

As part of the 13th Asia-Pacific Forum for Sustainable Development (APFSD), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC), UNESCO, and JICA invites you to a side event that will examine how building a culture of preparedness can contribute to a sustainable future for all. 

The event marks the culmination of the regional Partnerships for Strengthening School Preparedness for Tsunamis in the Asia-Pacific Project, implemented by UNDP and the Government of Japan since 2017. The Project follows Japan’s approach to disaster preparedness, embedding tsunami preparedness in schools and using them as entry points for wider community resilience. To date, around 800 schools in 24 Asia-Pacific countries have participated in tsunami drills, engaging approximately 221,000 students, teachers, local officials, and community members. 

The session will showcase how school-level preparedness efforts have contributed to strengthening community preparedness and human security, and how collaboration with local champions and regional partners has supported more inclusive and sustainable approaches to disaster preparedness. Through a moderated dialogue, participants will reflect on enabling factors for school preparedness, lessons learned from the Project, and ways forward to sustain and expand these efforts beyond the project period. 

The discussion will also highlight how these approaches contribute to SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities and SDG 17 on partnerships, aligning with the APFSD focus on inclusive, equitable, and coordinated action for the 2030 Agenda.