2025 RISK Award: Children and Youths as Agents of Change for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) [up to €100,000]
Call for Applications
In recent years, the world has witnessed an increase in the frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. From the devastating floods in Brazil in April 2024, the widespread flooding in Kenya in May 2024, to the massive floods in southern Germany and Austria in June 2024, it’s clear that these hazards are becoming more severe. In addition, very early and extremely hot heatwaves have affected regions like India, China, the southwest USA, and southeast Europe. These events underscore the urgent need for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies.
The Munich Re Foundation, in partnership with UNDRR, is committed to addressing these challenges. Together, they are launching the 2025 RISK Award with a focus on “Children and Youths as Agents of Change for DRR.”
Who can apply
This prestigious award offers project funding of up to €100,000 and invites applications from individuals and organizations engaged in disaster risk reduction projects involving children and young people.
Why Focus on Children and Youths?
Disasters do not discriminate, but their impacts are often more severe on certain populations. Data shows that countries in the Global South, as well as marginalized groups including children, women, and people with disabilities, are disproportionately affected by disasters. According to UNDRR, over 1 billion children have had their lives disrupted by disasters since 2000, with more than 80,000 schools damaged or destroyed. UNICEF reports that approximately one billion children worldwide are at extremely high risk due to climate impacts, including climate-related disasters.
Recognizing this, the 2025 RISK Award aims to highlight the potential of children and youths as active contributors to disaster risk reduction. Far from being mere victims, young people can play a crucial role in enhancing safety within their communities. Through education, participation in DRR planning, community engagement, and advocacy, they can help to build more resilient societies.
Serving a Broader Agenda
The focus on children and youths aligns with global strategies such as the Sendai Framework, which emphasizes the importance of involving young people in disaster risk reduction. The Framework recognizes that children and youths should be given the opportunity to contribute to DRR efforts in line with national practices and educational curricula.
This year, the importance of youth in DRR is further emphasized at key global events, including the UN Summit of the Future in September and the International Day for Disaster Reduction on October 13, which is dedicated to the theme of “Children and Youths.” The 2025 RISK Award supports this global agenda by encouraging innovative projects that increase safety for and with young people in the face of climate hazards.
Winners Ceremony
The winner(s) of the 2025 RISK Award will be officially announced at the Global Platform for DRR in June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. We eagerly anticipate receiving your initiatives and project ideas.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Start of the 2025 RISK Award application phase: 1 July 2024
- Online Seminar I – How to write a RISK Award proposal: 24 July 2024
- Online Seminar II – How to write a RISK Award proposal: 25 September 2024
- End of the 2025 RISK Award application phase: 13 October 2024
- Announcement of the winner: 2-4 June 2025
If you are interested in attending one of our online courses on “How to write a RISK Award proposal,” you may register online. Attendance is not mandatory for your application. A recording of the first session will also be made available.
Apply Now
Don’t miss the opportunity to secure up to €100,000 in project funding! The application phase runs from 1 July to 13 October 2024.
For more information and to apply, click HERE.
