Every year on October 13, the world observes International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) to promote policies that lower the risk of disasters and their associated losses. 

In keeping with this call, MUST, through Department of Climate Sciences, organised a pitch session which was held at Ndata campus in Thyolo.

Held under the theme “Unlocking transformative resilience potential in Malawi”, the commemoration brought together community leaders, members of staff, students and the media.

Delivering her keynote address titled “Pathways to resilient reconstruction amidst climate change induced risks in Malawi”, guest speaker and Director of the Department of Climate and Meteorological Services in Malawi, Dr Lucy Mtilatila, emphasized the need for government, communities and development partners to develop policies and mobilise resources and efforts towards proactive resilience building.

“There is need for paradigm shift from reactive disaster responses to proactive resilience building,’’ Dr Mtilatila said.

On his part, Senior Lecturer in Disaster and Risk Management, who also facilitated the session, Dr Isaac Mwalwimba, highlighted the role of the academia in advancing evidence-based disaster risk reduction and increased partnership across multiple stakeholders.

Among other activities that worked to amplify the disaster reduction agenda are keynote addresses, quizzes, creative performances, and panel discussion on resilience building.