Crises will continue to happen; acute needs will always need to be met. But a fundamental shift is needed: away from reacting to disasters and conflicts as they unfold and sometimes linger for decades, towards prevention, preparedness and empowerment of individuals and communities to withstand and recover from them. Tip the balance from reaction and response towards preparedness, prevention and resilience
We must aim for a more resilient, less vulnerable world. Such a world would be one where development, within and across countries, is fully inclusive and equitable, and upholds all rights for all people. Where women and girls are no longer disadvantaged in multiple ways but are equally empowered to realize their full potential, and contribute to the development and stability of their communities and nations. It would be a world where every country can manage its economy and its polity to guarantee
everyone’s access to decent work and high quality essential services, including sexual and reproductive health care. Among those who set the course of public policies, there would be a sound understanding that investment in equitable, inclusive development is about the best and certainly the fairest and most humane investment that can be made. Far-reaching benefits include reducing the risks and impacts of crisis. Transformation to a more resilient, less vulnerable world also depends on better management of risks and institutions with sufficient capacities in place long before a crisis strikes. Risks first need to be comprehensively understood; only then can effective investments be made in measures to reduce them. For those risks not fully avoidable, proactive preparation is critical to limit the worst consequences. One of the most central strategies in reducing risks in all countries is making sure people are resilient in the face of them. Those who are healthy, educated, have adequate income and enjoy all human rights have far better prospects when risks become reality.
PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS AND EMPOWERMENT Manage risks better
Rectify gender inequality
Foster individuals’ resilience through education and health
Build capacities of institutions before disaster strikes
Enable realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights
Strive for long-term, inclusive and equitable development
THE STATE OF WORLD POPULATION 2015
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