Call for entries
In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. From the devastating floods in Brazil in April 2024, to the widespread floods in Kenya in May 2024, to the massive floods in southern Germany and Austria in June 2024, it is clear that these dangers are becoming more serious. In addition, very early and extremely hot heatwaves have affected regions such as India, China, the south-west of the USA and south-eastern Europe. These events underline the urgent need for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies.
The Munich Re Foundation, in partnership with UNDRR, is committed to tackling these challenges. Together, they are launching the RISK 2025 Award with a focus on "Children and Young People as Agents of Change for DRR".
Who can apply
This prestigious award offers project funding of up to 100,000 euros and invites applications from individuals and organisations involved in disaster risk reduction projects involving children and young people.
Why focus on children and young people?
Disasters don't discriminate, but their impacts are often more severe on certain populations. Data shows that countries in the Global South, as well as marginalised groups including children, women and people with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by disasters. According to the UNDRR, more than one billion children have had their lives disrupted by disasters since 2000, with more than 80,000 schools damaged or destroyed. Recognising this, the RISK 2025 Award aims to highlight the potential of children and young people as active contributors to disaster risk reduction. Far from being mere victims, young people can play a crucial role in strengthening security in their communities. Through education, participation in DRR planning, community involvement and advocacy, they can help build more resilient societies.
Serving a broader agenda
The focus on children and young people is in line with global strategies such as the Sendai Framework, which emphasises the importance of involving young people in disaster risk reduction. The Framework recognises that children and young people should have the opportunity to contribute to DRR efforts, in line with national practices and educational curricula.
This year, the importance of youth in DRR is further emphasised at major global events, including the UN Future Summit in September and the International Day for Disaster Reduction on 13 October, which is dedicated to the theme of "Children and Youth". The RISK 2025 Award supports this global agenda by incentivising innovative projects that increase safety for and with young people in the face of climate hazards.
Winners' Ceremony
The winner(s) of the RISK 2025 Award will be officially announced at the Global Platform for DRR in June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. We look forward to receiving your initiatives and project ideas.
Key dates and deadlines
- Start of the RISK 2025 Award application phase: 1st July 2024
- Online Seminar I - How to write a RISK award proposal: 24 July 2024
- Online Seminar II - How to write a RISK Award proposal: 25 September 2024
- End of the RISK 2025 Award application phase: 13 October 2024
- Announcement of the winner: 2 to 4 June 2025
If you are interested in taking part in one of our online courses on "How to write a RISK Award proposal", you can enrol online. Attendance is not compulsory for your application. A recording of the first session will also be made available.
Sign up now
Don't miss the chance to secure up to €100,000 in project funding! The application phase runs from 1 July to 13 October 2024.
For more information and to register, click HERE.
