World Vision Lesotho’s National Director emphasizes disaster preparedness, resilience, and child protection at the National Dialogue on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Disaster Risk Reduction Programming in Asia and the Pacific

World Vision Lesotho’s National Director calls for stronger disaster preparedness, resilience-building, and collaboration to protect communities from urban disasters.

Asia-Pacific is the most climate-exposed and disaster-prone region in the world. As many as 65% of children in East Asia are exposed to multiple shocks which are becoming increasingly frequent, especially flooding, drought, saltwater inundation, and climate-related diseases. Children and families living in poverty are particularly vulnerable, bearing the brunt of these recurrent crises and their longterm consequences.

Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience Capacity of World Vision Iraq

World Vision's Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) training in Sepionda, Southern Highlands, has been a turning point for local communities facing the growing impacts of climate change. The training, which focused on using local materials and plants to reduce disaster risks, taught participants practical ways to protect their homes and land, like planting trees to prevent erosion. It also provided valuable peace-building and conflict-resolution tools, helping people understand that natural disasters are not caused by spirits or revenge, as previously believed. After a recent landslide, the community’s new knowledge helped prevent violence. Leaders expressed deep gratitude for the training and the hope for continued support to better prepare for future challenges.

This press release is an urgent call from World Vision for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the ongoing conflict is worsening the humanitarian crisis, particularly for children. The destruction of hospitals, schools, and displacement camps has left children increasingly vulnerable, heightening the risks of diseases like TB and measles due to missed vaccinations. As of February 2025, over half a million people have been displaced, adding to the already high number of 6.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). World Vision is deeply concerned that without action, the crisis will escalate further, with devastating consequences for children. The organization urges global leaders to press for peace and allow for unrestricted humanitarian aid to meet growing needs. They also advocate for a humanitarian pause to provide families with safety and access to essential supplies. World Vision has been supporting displaced communities in North and South Kivu and is preparing to expand its response in Goma once access is granted. The organization calls for meaningful dialogues to ensure a lasting resolution and protect the future of children in the region.