Carol Emma Mweemba is hopeful an upcoming historic conference will succeed because children have a say and a seat.

Disasters pose a substantial and growing threat to children and youth's well-being, and climate change is a rising threat to the environment and livelihood, including the survival and well-being of future generations. However, children and youth continue to be on the frontlines in combating climate change and building resilience in their communities. There have been consultative and robust research on child-centred risk reduction and school safety developed globally and in Asia-Pacific. Drawing from the findings, we highlight young people’s voices and perspectives in urging governments, DRR partners, and practitioners to undertake the following actions in line with the underlying goals of the 10th APMCDRR.

Dr. Kyi Minn explains that in conflict situations, a triple response following humanitarian emergencies is vital.

After decades working to protect children Bill Forbes shares three things that keep him hopeful that a violence-free future is within reach.

This report, “Advocates for Change: Asia Pacific Children and Youth’s Voices & Perspectives on Climate Action and Disaster Risk Reduction”, is the result of the collaboration between partners from different development organizations. This project commenced in May 2024 and culminated in the launch of the report in October 2024 by the Asia Pacific Coalition for School Safety (APCSS).

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest population of persons under temporary and international protection, with over 3.65 million Syrians under temporary protection. As of May 2023, Türkiye was hosting 3.4 million Syrian refugees of which nearly half are children and 46% are women and girls. The country has seen significant increases in commodity prices, particularly food and energy, alongside inflation and the depreciation of the Turkish lira, leading to poverty rates surpassing pre- 2019 levels. These socio-economic challenges have put a strain on community relations, consequently inciting growing anti-refugee sentiments. The approach to the 2023 elections has seen refugee issues becoming a focal point of political discourse, prompting the government to consider adopting more stringent policies.

NCS is home to a population exceeding 217,911 individuals. According to local authority statistics, the demographic composition is predominantly made up of host communities - accounting for approximately 85% of the population - with the remaining 15% being IDPs. Geographically, RAATA is an extended territory situated along the northern borders of the Syrian cities of Raqqa and Hasakeh. It is encircled by the SDF on all sides except the northern side, which borders Türkiye. World Vision is currently the only INGO working in the area. The minimal presence of active humanitarian service providers in NCS, coupled with the exclusion of the area from the current humanitarian coordination mechanism (HRP), means that humanitarian needs in Ras Al Ain and Tel Abyad are largely overlooked thus leaving significant gaps in almost all sectors. According to the 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), an estimated 182,327 individuals (84% of the population) are in need of humanitarian assistance in Tel Abyad and Ras Al Ain, and the intersectoral severity of needs in both districts is classified as extreme.