Marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13 October, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union reaffirms its commitment to helping broadcasters support preparedness, communicate risks and deliver trusted information when communities need it most. This year’s theme, “Resilience Starts at Home,” highlights the importance of protecting households and ensuring people have the knowledge and resources to act before disaster strikes.

In his message for the Day, published by UNDRR, Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR, stressed that “resilience must be built into every home.” He also called for families to receive early warnings that are “trusted, understandable, and actionable” – a priority directly relevant to broadcasters’ public-service mission. Watch the message: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 

For the ABU, disaster risk reduction extends beyond covering emergencies. It means helping media organisations explain risks, strengthen public understanding and translate scientific information into practical guidance. The ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention provides a regional platform for this work, connecting broadcasters with scientists, policymakers and disaster-management partners. Its tenth edition, held in Paro, Bhutan, in June 2026, brought these communities together to advance climate communication and preparedness.

Through its cooperation with UNESCO on strengthening media capacity for climate action and disaster risk reduction in South and Southeast Asia, the ABU is also supporting training on disaster preparedness planning, emergency broadcasting and verification of disaster information. Transboundary media collaboration encourages participating outlets to exchange experience and develop public-interest content on shared risks, including flood preparedness, urban resilience and misinformation during disasters.

These efforts recognise that broadcasters must be prepared themselves to serve audiences effectively. Strong newsroom procedures, reliable partnerships and clear, accessible communication help media remain a trusted source before, during and after emergencies.

As the international community marks DRR Day, the ABU encourages its members to make preparedness part of everyday programming, amplify credible early warnings and share practical stories that help households protect themselves. Trusted information can help turn awareness into action—and strengthen resilience in every community.