Action! How can media and communication prompt social and behaviour change for disaster risk reduction?

Populations at risk need to understand what risks they face and what can be done about them. Yet social and behaviour change is complex and often requires more than information to prompt action. This session will explore how media and communication can support that process and help reduce disaster risk.

Changing community demographics, rapid infrastructure development, growing dependence on technology, and a volatile climate all complicate efforts to ensure understanding and change. How can effective dialogue and engagement with people at risk inform decisions at every level for risk assessment, urban and rural planning, preparedness and early warning? What are the key elements of a functioning communication environment for disaster risk reduction? What does it take to design an effective communication initiative to reduce disaster risk?