A Decade of World Tsunami Awareness Day: Investing in Preparedness and Equity

Strategic Insights -

Diplomats, UN representatives, and private sector innovators gathered in Geneva on 27 October to mark the 10th World Tsunami Awareness Day, co-hosted by Japan and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The event brought together nearly 100 participants from over 50 countries and a dozen UN agencies, emphasizing the need for preparedness, equity, and innovation in the face of rising tsunamis due to urban growth and sea level rise.

Key Takeaways:

  • The event highlighted Japan's leadership in tsunami preparedness, with Ambassador Atsuyuki Oike noting that Japan has suffered from several tsunamis in its history, driving local communities to build resilience against such disasters.
  • The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has been working with Japan to raise awareness of the tsunami hazard, with Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, thanking Japan for its support, which is "changing people's lives across the world in tsunami-prone areas."
  • The event underscored the importance of multilateralism in addressing global disaster risks, with Mr. Kishore citing examples of successful international cooperation, including the rapid dissemination of early warnings across the Pacific following a major earthquake on 30 July 2025.
  • Ensuring no one is left behind, the event highlighted the need for inclusive and gender-sensitive approaches in disaster risk reduction efforts, with Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio of Chile emphasizing the importance of addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
  • The private sector was also spotlighted, with the role of Japanese start-up Spectee Inc. in supporting government-led efforts by providing access to cutting-edge technologies and tools highlighted by Chief Operating Officer Satoshi Negoro.

Statistics:

  • The UN General Assembly designated 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day in 2015, based on a proposal from Japan.
  • The event brought together nearly 100 participants from over 50 countries and a dozen UN agencies.
  • The "Early Warnings for All" initiative aims to ensure every person on Earth is protected by multi-hazard early warning systems by 2027.
  • The Tsunami Ladies documentary has been screened online in English, Spanish, and Japanese.

Sources:

  • United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
  • Ambassador Atsuyuki Oike, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations Office at Geneva
  • Mr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR
  • Ambassador Claudia Fuentes Julio, Permanent Representative of Chile in Geneva
  • Mr. Satoshi Negoro, Chief Operating Officer of Spectee Inc.
  • Ms. Ana Luiza Massot Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Geneva Liaison Office
  • Mr. Emiliano Rodriguez Nuesch, Producer of the Tsunami Ladies film