The objective of the observance is to raise awareness how people are taking action to reduce their risk to disasters. In 2011, the observance takes place within the framework of the "Step Up for Disaster Risk Reduction!" campaign, and its theme is “Making Children and Young People Partners for Disaster Risk Reduction”.
66.5 million children are affected annually by disasters. Because it is difficult for them to cope with unexpected and painful interruptions to their lives, they are often more affected than adults. Victims of disaster and climate change, children and young people can and should be encouraged to participate in disaster reduction and decision making.
For more information about the day and to read the Secretary-General's message for 2011, please visit this website:
http://www.un.org/en/events/disasterreductionday/