Islamabad: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and Talent Exchange Program (STEP) has launched an innovative e-learning toolkit for Development Disabilities. – Disaster risk reduction for vulnerable communities with disabilities (DI-DRR).
The inauguration ceremony was held at NDMA’s National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) and was attended by NDMA Chairman Lt. General Inam Haider Malik and STEP and UNESCAP Country Heads of Pakistan. ESUNESCAP, Aiko Akiyama, STEP Founder and Executive Director Muhammad Atif Shiek and STEP Program Director Abia Akram briefed the session on the utility of the toolkit.
This advanced e-learning toolkit is a comprehensive resource that enables disaster management professionals to equip themselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively address the needs and concerns of persons with disabilities (PWD) in all disaster eras and in all types of disasters. The launch of the toolkit reflects the proactive and futuristic approach adopted by the NDMA. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to inclusivity and building a disaster-resilient future where no one is left behind.
This initiative is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasizes the importance of making cities inclusive, safe, sustainable and resilient.
This toolkit will be available to disaster professionals through NEOC’s official platform. Training sessions and workshops will be held to facilitate the integration of these tools into existing disaster management frameworks.
