Learning to live with risk: disaster risk reduction to encourage education for sustainable development: concept note

In this paper the German Committee for Disaster Reduction and the UN ISDR Thematic Platform on Knowledge and Education introduced their reflection on linking Education for Sustainable Development and Disaster Risk Management. It is aimed in particular at the participants of the World Conference of Education for Sustainable Development and other stakeholders engaged in promoting Education, Sustainable Development and Disaster Risk Reduction at all levels. The paper elucidates how Disaster Risk Reduction supports Education for Sustainable Development or even shows that Disaster Risk Reduction is imperative for Sustainable Development. Disaster Risk Reduction is about preventing disasters caused by natural events, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides, storms or volcanic eruptions. Hazards are part of nature but can turn into disasters as a result of human interactions. Disasters are among the biggest obstacles to achieving the UN’s Millennium Development Goals for poverty reduction.