Albania has not been immune to the rising global trend of natural disasters. From devastating floods to seismic activity, the need for preparedness has never been more urgent. Climate change has intensified these challenges, making communities across the country increasingly vulnerable. The question is not whether disasters will strike, but when. This makes education on disaster preparedness an essential investment for the future.

In response, UNDP, in partnership with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and Sport, and the National Civil Protection Agency, is empowering the younger generation with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves and their communities. Through the RESEAL Project, disaster risk reduction drills and simulation exercises are being conducted in 12 pre-university education institutions across six regions. The goal is to foster a culture of resilience, beginning with the youngest members of society.

"Before this programme, we had no idea how to respond if something like a flood or earthquake happened during school hours," says 16-year-old Dritan, a student from Tirana. "Now, we know exactly what to do, and that gives us confidence."

Empowering youth with knowledge about disaster response is not only about saving lives during a crisis but also about building a mindset of resilience. By equipping youth with practical skills through drills and educational programmes, we are laying the foundation for a society better prepared to handle future disasters.

"The drills made me realize how important it is to stay calm and follow instructions," says Anisa, a 14-year-old student. "We practiced evacuations, learned how to give first aid, and even worked with firefighters. I now feel more responsible for my own safety and that of my classmates."

This activity goes beyond theoretical lessons. It incorporates hands-on training through carefully designed simulations that involve not only students but also teachers, staff, and local first responders. These exercises replicate real disaster scenarios, allowing participants to react in real time and learn from the experience.

Each school's existing emergency plans were assessed, and tailored DRR frameworks were developed to meet their specific needs. Training sessions focused on implementation and coordination, ensuring the active engagement of all relevant stakeholders, including municipalities and emergency services.

The project team also developed a comprehensive guide for schools and local authorities, detailing every step of the disaster preparedness process—from planning to execution and evaluation. This guide will serve as a blueprint for future drills, ensuring that the lessons learned are passed on and continuously improved.

"Today's youth are the leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow. By engaging students in disaster risk reduction education, we are not only preparing them for immediate threats but also nurturing a generation that values preparedness and safety. The participation of students in these simulations fosters a sense of responsibility and community awareness", says Elvita Kabashi, UNDP Programme Specialist on Environment and Climate Change.

"Being part of this programme has opened my eyes to how important it is for all of us to be prepared," says Edi, a 17-year-old from Shkodra. "Disasters don’t wait for us to be ready—they just happen. We need to be ready."

Building a Resilient Albania

The RESEAL Project, funded by the governments of Sweden and Portugal and implemented in partnership with the National Civil Protection Agency, is helping Albania strengthen its disaster preparedness and response capacities. With the project's support, key national disaster risk reduction frameworks such as the National Risk Assessment, the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Action Plan, and the National Civil Emergency Plan have been prepared—bringing Albania in line with EU standards and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
By focusing on education, the RESEAL Project ensures that the knowledge and skills gained will continue to benefit communities long after the drills have ended.

As we mark International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, we send a strong message: Let’s get ready.