Let’s Hear It for the Kids: A Call for Action on Disaster Risk Reduction
Well, well, well! Would you look at that? While we adults ponder over endless meetings about rising sea levels and mysterious weather patterns, it seems the kids are not just alright; they’re leading the charge! During the 2024 Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in the stunningly versatile Pasay City, young voices took center stage, and they had some serious points to make. Spoiler alert: No child was left behind in the mission for safety and inclusion!
Meet Candice, a fierce 14-year-old powerhouse from Save the Children Philippines. She stood there, representing not just a speck of dust in the crowd but an entire generation. When Candice spoke, it was like listening to a TED Talk delivered by someone who knows what it’s like to deal with adult nonsense. Her words? “Let this be the moment when young people are no longer sidelined but fully integrated in risk reduction and climate action.” Yes, Candice! You tell them!
Joined by her fellow advocate from Nepal, Sagar, they didn’t just talk the talk—they walked the walk, sharing key priorities that emerged from consultations as if they’d been briefed by the entire population of the youth. From promoting school safety to using the latest tech for disaster awareness (look out TikTok for Climate Action!), their demands are as on-point as my snappy comebacks at comedy clubs.
And wait for it: President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. chimed in too! He eloquently pointed out that a stronger society takes into account the needs of the “very young.” Here’s hoping that this is not just a fluffy promise landing in the abyss of political jargon but a real call for action. It’s clear: we need every voice to be heard. After all, empowerment is not just about giving kids a cookie and sending them on their merry way.
Let’s not forget the dark cloud lingering over the Philippines: the World Risk Index has crowned it as the world’s most disaster-prone country. That little fact hits harder than a dodgy stand-up gig! With three million families living in poverty, it’s children who face the brunt of these disasters, threatening their education and fundamental rights. Talk about a comedy of errors!
But here comes the cavalry in the form of Save the Children Philippines, which is on a mission to shift perspectives. As Marlon Matuguina, their Risk Mitigation and Climate Resilience Manager, tells us, “Children are not just victims; they’re future leaders.” So yes, Candice is part of the “Batang Empowered and Resilient Team” (or BERT for short)—immediate buzzword alert for anyone into catchy acronyms! This team helps kids across the country differentiate between risks and hazards. Quite crucial, considering the best we even manage is avoiding stepping in dog poop!
With discussions ramping up at the conference about inclusive strategies for disaster resilience, it’s not just the kids catching this important wave. There’s chatter about gender-responsive and disability-inclusive approaches that scream “progress!” louder than my mother when I bring home a B in maths.
As we wrap up this delightful little adventure of youth empowerment, let’s remember that leveraging these youthful insights could pave the way to a climate-resilient future. Because when it comes to resilience, it’s clear: the future’s in good hands—or at the very least, aware hands that won’t be shy about using them!
Here’s to the children who are taking charge, demanding action, and offering fresh perspectives in the face of adversity. It’s high time we listen because, quite frankly, they’ve got a clearer vision for the future than most of us seasoned adults. And if that doesn’t make you rethink your approach to decision-making, I don’t know what will!
