UNESCO Supports Jamaica in Advancing Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Management Roadmap

On 14-15 April 2026, 22 participants from the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), alongside experts from the World Institute on Disability (WID) and other partners, convened at the United Nations Development Programme in Jamaica to develop a Disability-Inclusive Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Roadmap, ensuring that disaster preparedness and response efforts address the needs of persons with disabilities.

The workshop was able to bring together not only lived experiences but also expertise, and diverse perspectives to help ensure that no one is left behind in times of disasters. Led by the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean in close collaboration with JCPD, and with significant technical contributions from WID and global insights from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the sessions were designed to be highly participatory and action-oriented .

Discussions during the two days of the workshop explored a set of global approaches to disability-inclusive DRM, lessons learned from Hurricane Melissa, and a gap analysis of Jamaica's current DRM system. Participants identified priority areas for JCPD, examined case studies to inform the Roadmap , and agreed on key actions. The process also included the development of SMART goals and indicators, culminating in a clear framework of roles, responsibilities, and timelines.

Through dynamic group work, focused dialogue, and collective prioritization, participants advanced a shared vision for strengthening inclusive disaster preparedness and response in Jamaica, laying the groundwork for a practical and results-driven national Roadmap, which necessary as this Caribbean country is increasingly exposed to a series of climate-related and natural hazards as well, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, and also earthquakes.