Students and academics at the University of Chester (U of C) recently took part in an international webinar endorsed by the United Nations (UN).
Entitled “Youth as Experts in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR): Rethinking the Education System to Support Knowledge and Awareness for Sustainable Disaster Management”, the online event was hosted by the U of C Geography and Environment faculty team. The digital seminar was led by Dr Namrata Bhattacharya Mis, associate professor of disaster risk and resilience at the university.
The webinar also featured global experts like convenor for Youth4water India and Combat Climate Change India, Ranjan K Panda and Professor Nidhi Nagabhatla of Belgium’s UNU-CRIS.
Two first years, Lilia Scattergood and Scarlett Hill also represented the university. The students are currently studying geography at the Exton Park campus, located in reach of Chester University accommodation. The two first year students expressed their gratitude for being invited to participate and share their knowledge.
The aim of the online event was to underline the important part that young people play as contributors to the disaster risk reduction arena, but also how reconsidering present education systems can help support their involvement.
Dr Namrata Bhattacharya Mis, commented that the enthusiasm and knowledge of young people made them agents for change in disaster risk reduction. The senior lecturer at the university’s department for humanities, culture and the environment added that platforms like the webinar provide students with an opportunity to share their perspective and understanding of the topic.
Written By
Henry