COPE recently participated at Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. in Bali, Indonesia May 23-25^th. The event, which was run in a hybrid format, was organized by the UNDRR and the Government of Indonesia and attracted approximately 4000 participants from 185 different nations, all gathering in Bali to examine initiatives to shield local populations from the increasing number of climate hazards and other global disasters.

Interestingly, the platform demonstrated advancements in accessibility and gender parity. For instance, women made up 40% of the audience and 50% of the panelists. Since the last Global Platform held in 2019, there have been twice as many participants —over 200 this year— with different forms of disabilities attending panels and discussions.

COPE was honoured to take part in the Youth Forum on May 22, presenting our project, launching our newest Volcanoes book, and leading the COPE panel session entitled “The Importance of child-centred DRR through the launch of a beautifully illustrated book, COPE VOLCANOES”.

COPE VOLCANOES unfolds at Mount Merapi (Indonesia), , one of the world’s most active volcanoes. In this story, children will learn what to do before a volcanic eruption and focus on the key message – LISTEN. PREPARE. STAY AWARE.

The book was produced in collaboration with the UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and Pacific, and the United Nations Majority Group for Children and Youth, with Disaster Risk Reduction guidance from Oxford University‘s Volcanologists – Professor Tamsin Mather and Professor David Pyle, as well as local Indonesian Geologist, Munasri. UNICEF East Asia and Pacific supplied additional editorial guidance on children’s rights perspectives, while expert weather advice was offered by COPE’s Scientific Advisors – The World Meteorological Organization and The Hong Kong Observatory.

We had an incredibly positive response to the whole COPE concept, with key highlights including:

• Stronger relations with key collaborators who recognise COPE as a Global Risk Reduction Brand.
• All the participants received a copy the VOLCANOES book, available in both English and Bahasa.
• Some books in Bahasa were donated to a community in Tanjung Benoa, with the Head of DRR Mr Wayan Dedi Sumantra distributing the books to three schools in the village.
•  With the help of Plan International Indonesia, another part of the printed books in Bahasa were distributed to children in an event at the House of Resilience in Bali.