The International Day for Disaster Reduction first took place in 1989, and is held every 13 October. It is a day to celebrate how people and their communities all over are reducing their exposure to disasters and spreading awareness about the importance of addressing the risks that they face. The United Nations made a call to promote a global sense of risk awareness and larger efforts aimed at disaster reduction.

This year’s theme is under the umbrella of the “Sendai Seven” campaign, which is centered around the seven focus points of the Sendai Framework. The focus is on Target C; reducing disaster economic losses in relation to global GDP by 2030.

The "Sendai Seven" campaign was launched by UNISDR in 2016, its focus is on the seven targets of the Sendai Framework, the first being reducing disaster mortality. The campaign aims to create spread and increase awareness about steps taken to combat mortality around the globe. Last year’s target was centered on prevention, protection and lessening the number of people impacted by disasters. The Sendai Seven Campaign is an opportunity for all governments, organizations, local governments, private sector, and individuals to promote best practices to reduce disaster losses.