Background
In an era of mis- and disinformation, the media have never been so crucial in connecting the public with life-saving information and equipping the most vulnerable populations with knowledge on risk reduction and disaster preparedness. They are a key actor in the early warning chain to deliver timely, accurate and actionable early warning messages to wide audiences before, during and immediately after disasters. But they also play an important role in times of peace to inspire, educate, show solutions and generate the action needed to reduce disaster risk.
Course structure
Please join the course using the red "Join" button on the top left corner of this page. Once you are enrolled in the course, you can proceed through this self-paced training consists of 10 interactive modules, each designed to help you build a strong foundation in covering disasters through a fresh and inclusive lens. Each module includes quizzes and discussions to reinforce your learning. Along the way, you’ll also play the Stop Disasters game, an immersive game that shows how planning and policy decisions can shape disaster risk and resilience. The course is open to everyone and can be started at any time. Scroll down to begin your journey today!
Learning objectives
This course will help journalists tell the other side of the disaster story and raise critical questions to help societies become more resilient:
- How can media best fulfil their role in the early warning chain?
- What are the drivers of risk?
- How can development and policy decisions either increase or reduce risks?
- How do disaster risks cascade across borders and all sectors of society?
- Do disasters discriminate and inflict the worst impact on the most at-risk?
- And most importantly: How can countries and communities reduce risk and build resilience?
Your voice matters
In this course, we believe that learning is most powerful when it's shared. That's why we've incorporated a dedicated space for discussion and exchange. This forum is your opportunity to connect with fellow participants from around the world, share your insights, ask questions, and reflect on how media can shape disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
In an era of mis- and disinformation, your voice matters. By engaging in discussions, you help build a community of informed communicators who can:
- Challenge assumptions and explore diverse perspectives.
- Share real-world experiences and examples of media in disaster contexts.
- Collaborate on ideas for more inclusive and solution-oriented reporting.
- Support each other's learning and growth throughout the course.
Ready to start? First, join the course by clicking the red "Join" button on the top left corner of this page. Then, join the discussion board to be able to share your reflections as you progress through the modules.
Whether you're a journalist, communicator, student, or simply curious-your perspective is valuable here.
Will I receive a certificate?
Absolutely! Upon completing all sections of the 10 modules, you'll receive a certificate of completion, issued by the course coordinator. It's a great way to showcase your commitment to responsible and impactful disaster reporting.