Ghana today joins the global community to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) under the theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”

The observance, held annually on October 13, highlights worldwide and national efforts to reduce disaster risks, save lives, and protect livelihoods.

This year’s theme underscores the urgency of shifting focus from reactive disaster response to proactive investment in resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR).

According to global estimates, disasters cause direct damages exceeding $202 billion annually, while total economic losses — including indirect and long-term impacts — soar to nearly $2.3 trillion.

Despite these staggering costs, less than 1% of public budgets worldwide are currently dedicated to DRR initiatives.

In Ghana, the growing challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change, flooding, coastal erosion, and unplanned settlements further highlight the importance of financing risk-informed development and strengthening national preparedness.

As the lead agency for disaster management, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) emphasised its commitment to promoting national resilience and safeguarding development progress.

The 2025 commemoration, according to NADMO in partnership with UNDP's Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF), will serve as a platform to mobilise support, advocate for policy reforms, and highlight resilience as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

In a statement signed by Charlotte Norman, Director for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction at NADMO, the organisation outlined the main objectives of this year’s observance.

These include raising awareness on financing resilience, advocating for increased national and local budget allocations for DRR and climate adaptation, and strengthening partnerships among government, the private sector, development partners, academia, and civil society.

“NADMO’s achievements in advancing early warning systems, community preparedness, and climate adaptation demonstrate Ghana’s progress toward building a resilient nation,” Ms. Norman stated.

“We respectfully request support for this important symposium, which will bring together national government representatives, the business community, international donors, development partners, civil society, and academia.

Your support will be highly appreciated as we strive to build a resilient nation that leaves no one behind.”

The symposium, scheduled for October 13, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., will feature key discussions on sustainable financing, policy innovation, and inclusive strategies for disaster resilience.