By Precious D. Freeman
The recent observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction highlighted the urgent need for community resilience and youth engagement in disaster management.
Keynote speaker Samuel S. Brown, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasized that disasters must be managed proactively to mitigate their impact on communities.
Speaking at the event, which brought together students, international partners, and local organizations, Brown stated, “Disaster is an enemy that needs to be managed; if not, when it strikes, it will affect us.”
His remarks underscored the theme for this year, “Empowering Liberia Youth Through Disaster Risk Reduction Education for a Resilient Future.”
The program commenced with a parade featuring students from various schools, showcasing a united front in promoting disaster awareness.
Brown articulated concerns about fire safety and urban planning, pointing out that human activities often exacerbate disaster risks. “We must create awareness at all levels town to town, home to home,” he urged, stressing the importance of education in building resilience.
The Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Ansu Dulleh, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the role of youth as pivotal in shaping Liberia’s future.
“You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the leaders of today,” Dulleh declared, calling on young people to actively participate in disaster preparedness and response.
Dulleh outlined a vision where the NDMA collaborates with international partners to integrate disaster risk reduction into school curricula, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge to respond effectively to disasters.
“Education is key,” he reiterated, emphasizing the need for young Liberians to lead community initiatives in disaster preparedness.
The observance also featured remarks from students, including Abdullahi Sombia from Gray D. Allison High School, who provided an overview of the significance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction.
Sombia highlighted the need for all citizens to engage in building disaster-resilient communities, referencing the United Nations’ efforts to foster a global culture of preparedness.
Jebbeeh Kennedy, a student from the Matilda Newport High School, read a message from the UN Secretary-General, urging nations to prioritize the safety and empowerment of children in disaster risk management.
Kennedy stressed the importance of building resilient schools and ensuring all children receive education on disaster preparedness.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to disaster management in Liberia, the Citizens United for Better Liberia honored Ansu Dulleh as “The Most Outstanding Executive Director of the Year 2024.”
Dulleh’s swift actions in responding to recent flood disasters and his leadership in emergency cash transfer programs were highlighted as significant achievements in a short span.
As Liberia faces challenges posed by climate change and urbanization, the collective call to action resonates deeply.
With youth at the forefront of disaster risk reduction efforts, the future of Liberia’s resilience lies in the hands of its young leaders.
The NDMA and its partners remain committed to fostering a culture of preparedness, ensuring that Liberia stands strong against future challenges.
The celebration concluded with a commitment from all stakeholders to enhance youth engagement in disaster management and promote sustainable practices to build a more resilient nation.
