The National Disaster Prevention and Reduction Day was instituted in 2009 after a devastating earthquake jolted southwest China's Sichuan and its neighboring provinces in 2008. This year’s theme is Disaster Risk Reduction and Safeguarding Quality Development, underlining that disaster risk reduction concern not only the safety of people’s life and property, but food, economy, environment and social aspects as well, essential for quality development.

China’s National Disaster Reduction Committee has been taking lead in the development and implementation of comprehensive national DRR plans since 1998. In line with the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015), the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) and the United Nations SDG Agenda, these plans underscore China’s commitment to integrating DRR into its sustainable development agenda.

IRDR fully acknowledges and supports the transformation of China’s comprehensive disaster risk reduction work. IRDR sees its global mission for inclusive, safe and sustainable development and the new research priorities for 2030 and beyond resonate fully with China’s effort in DRR and looks forward to much enhanced cooperation with China in coming years.