UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction Date, Theme, History, UPSC Relevance
Shruti Kumari13 Oct, 2025
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UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction is celebrated on the 13th of October throughout the globe. This day is observed to show the importance of reducing risk from natural disasters. UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction becomes a reminder for the government, communities, and people to take action for safety.
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction is a day we think about what has been done, the problems we still face, and what to do next. In 2025, the theme is “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”, which means we should focus on preparing for disasters before they happen, not just responding after.
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction History
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction UN was created to raise global awareness, encourage disaster prevention, and build resilience. It works with frameworks like Sendai to include disaster risk reduction in national and local planning. Below is a table that provides a detailed overview of its history and background:
| UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction History | |
| Year/Period | Event/Development |
| 1989 | UN General Assembly adopted a resolution designating the second Wednesday of October as the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction |
| 2009 | Observance fixed on October 13 and renamed as International Day for Disaster Reduction |
| Purpose | Promote a global culture of risk awareness, prevention, and preparedness |
| Evolution | Expanded in scope to align with international disaster reduction initiatives |
| Framework Connection | Linked with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) to guide national and local actions |
| Global Role | Embedded in multilateral efforts to mainstream DRR into development planning and policy |
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction Date and Significance
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction Date is October 13 each year. Through shared observance, the world can amplify messages about disaster risk, preparedness, and resilience.
The significance lies in its ability to draw attention to risk reduction rather than just response. On this day, stakeholders reflect on past disasters, share successful practices, and urge funding commitments. It signals that disaster risk reduction is a collective responsibility, not just a reactive task.
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction 2025 Theme
For UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction 2025, the theme is “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters”.
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction 2025 theme emphasizes shifting resources toward prevention, mitigation, and adaptive capacity. Rather than paying costs after disasters strike.
Key calls under this theme include:
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Increase public and international funding for disaster risk reduction.
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Ensure that all public development and private sector investments are risk-informed and resilient.
The concept note notes that direct disaster losses are estimated at about US$202 billion annually. But the true cost, accounting for indirect impacts, may reach nearly US$2.3 trillion. The theme is thus urgent: neglecting resilience now means paying far more later.
UN’s Role in Disaster Reduction
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction reflects the United Nations’ global commitment. Commitment to promote disaster resilience through policy guidance, coordination, awareness, and sustainable development initiatives.
| UN’s Role in Disaster Reduction | |
| Aspect | Description |
| Leading Body | United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) |
| Main Functions | Coordination, advocacy, technical guidance, and global reporting in disaster risk reduction (DRR) |
| Framework Followed | Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) |
| Key Initiatives | Supports countries in developing national policies, local strategies, and early warning systems |
| Annual Concept Note | Released on October 13 outlining the theme, key messages, and actions for the observance |
| Major 2025 Event | Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) in Geneva |
| 2025 Platform Theme | “Every Day Counts, Act for Resilience Today” |
| Global Role | Promotes coordination, policy influence, and resource mobilization among states, civil society, and private sector |
Importance for India and Relevance to UPSC
For weather conditions like India, where regions are highly prone to floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc. Days like the UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction become important to reflect on the past and the upcoming. For UPSC aspirants, UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction UPSC is relevant in several ways:
| UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction UPSC | |
| Area | Relevance for UPSC Aspirants |
| Public Policy and Governance | Understanding disaster risk reduction is important for subjects like governance, public administration, and environment. |
| Disaster Management Frameworks | Covers topics like the Sendai Framework, India’s NDMA, and risk financing. |
| Current Affairs and International Observances | The October 13 observance provides relevant content on UN commitments and national initiatives. |
| Linkages with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | Disaster risk reduction connects with SDGs on climate action, poverty, inequality, and infrastructure. |
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction in Hindi
संयुक्त राष्ट्र प्राकृतिक आपदाओं में कमी हेतु अंतर्राष्ट्रीय दिवस (UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction in Hindi) को हर वर्ष 13 अक्तूबर को मनाया जाता है।
इस दिवस का उद्देश्य लोगों को यह बताना है कि प्राकृतिक आपदाओं के खतरों को कम करना हम सभी की जिम्मेदारी है। यह दिन सरकारों, संगठनों और नागरिकों को यह प्रेरणा देता है कि वे तैयारी बढ़ाएँ, जोखिमों को पहचानें और विश्वास रखें कि कटौती योग्य क्षति को रोका जा सकता है।
हिंदी भाषी क्षेत्रों में इस observance के माध्यम से जागरूकता बढ़ती है। स्कूलों, सामाजिक समूहों और स्थानीय निकायों में जनचेतना कार्यक्रम और अभियानों का आयोजन किया जाता है।
Union Public Service Commission has successfully conducted the UPSC IFoS Prelims Exam 2025. The Commission has announced the UPSC IFos Main 2025 schedule. The admit cards for eligible candidates are expected to be released one or two weeks before the exam. Indian Forest Service (IFoS) is one of the three All India Services, alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS).
Established in 1966, the IFoS is dedicated to the management and preservation of the country's forests, wildlife, and natural resources. The IFoS exam, also known as the Indian Forest Service (IFoS) exam, is conducted annually by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Read on to learn more about the IFoS Exam 2025, including important dates, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and more.
UN International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction FAQs
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