This year, DEPO was proudly represented at the Plus Arts booth in the Innovation Room at the Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 2 - 6.
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Swiss Government, this international conference centered around the theme “Every Day Counts: Act for Resilience Today”. The conference offered not only a powerful reminder of the urgency with which we must act but also a wide array of strategies, insights, and shared commitments toward a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.
At the Plus Arts booth, DRR games from both Makati in the Philippines and DEPO were showcased, sharing the mission of engaging communities through innovative disaster education. The response was fantastic! The booth welcomed hundreds of visitors each day, who enjoyed playing our original DRR games and learning about DEPO’s approach to building safer communities through education.
DEPO Intern, Christy Wittkamp, attended the conference and wrote the following reflection on her experience:
“What an inspiring week! It was an honour to take part in this global event which brings together global leaders and innovative thinkers in the field of DRR to exchange knowledge on disaster prevention and preparedness.
One of the strongest messages that resonated throughout the sessions was the importance of localizing disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts. Time and time again, panelists emphasized that resilience is built from the bottom up. Whether through empowering local leaders or investing in grassroots capacities, the key lies in centering people—especially those most at risk—in every aspect of DRR planning and action.
The "Enhanced Risk Awareness, Education, and Risk Communication" session was especially relevant to my own interests. It highlighted how communication strategies need to go beyond broadcasting facts. Trust, empathy, and cultural understanding are foundational. We need to meet people where they are—with creativity: stories, music, emotions, and relatable narratives that make risk feel real and actionable. Media has a crucial role as an educator, and children must be empowered as active participants in building resilient communities.
A few powerful slogans and phrases echoed throughout the conference and stayed with me:
“No one left behind”
“Disasters are transboundary”
“Localization is a lifesaver”
“Speak with people, not at them”
“Communication needs to be a conversation, not a broadcast”
These encapsulate the spirit of the GPDRR: that resilience is not only a technical goal but a human, ethical, and collective one. We must think beyond silos, ensure global frameworks align with local realities, and remember that disaster preparedness saves lives—and money.
Overall, attending the GPDRR reaffirmed my commitment to inclusive, locally grounded, and creatively communicated DRR strategies. It reminded me that education, trust, and community participation aren’t optional—they’re the very foundation of resilience.”