International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction
DateOctober 13
Next timeOctober 13, 2025 (2025-10-13)
FrequencyAnnual

International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is an international day that encourages every citizen and government to take part in building more disaster-resilient communities and nations. The United Nations General Assembly designated October 13 as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction as part of its proclamation of International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction.[1]

In 2002, by a further resolution, the General Assembly decided to maintain the annual observance as a vehicle to promote a global culture of natural disaster reduction, including prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.[2]

In 2009, the UN General Assembly decided to designate October 13 as the official date for this day, and also changed the name to International Day for Disaster Reduction.[3] The word risk was added to the name later.


The day can provide an opportunity for the media to highlight the subject of disaster recovery planning. In 2023 The Daily Star in Bangladesh included a relevant article on 13 October. It was written by Professor Mahbuba Nasreen who leads the Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies (IDMVS) at the University of Dhaka. She discussed the need for an all inclusive approach given the theme for that year of "Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future."[4]

  1. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 44 Resolution 236. International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction A/RES/44/236 22 December 1989. Retrieved 2008-09-18.[dead link]
  2. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 56 Resolution 195. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction A/RES/56/195 21 January 2002. Retrieved 2008-09-18.[dead link]
  3. ^ United Nations General Assembly Session 64 Resolution 200. International Strategy for Disaster Reduction A/64/200 21 December 2009. Retrieved 2011-10-14.[dead link]
  4. ^ Nasreen, Mahbuba (2023-10-13). "Disaster response requires an all-inclusive approach". The Daily Star. Retrieved 2023-11-27.