PR No. 269 NDMA, Pakistan Girl Guides Association & UNICEF Pakistan Launch D

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan and the Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA), has launched Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Badges and the DRR Badge Manual to enhance disaster preparedness and strengthen community resilience across the country. The launch ceremony was held at NDMA Headquarters, Islamabad. Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Minister's Youth Program attended the occasion as Chief Guest.

The initiative aims to empower young girls and community volunteers with practical knowledge and life-saving skills to better understand local hazards, respond to early warnings, prepare households and schools, and act safely during emergencies. The DRR Badge Manual reflects commitment to mainstreaming disaster risk reduction at the grassroots level by building local capacity and fostering a culture of preparedness, in line with the national disaster risk management framework.

Pakistan Girl Guides have a longstanding history of serving communities during floods, earthquakes, heatwaves and other emergencies. Their contributions include supporting relief distribution, assisting displaced families at camps, providing first aid, promoting hygiene and safety awareness, and offering psychosocial support, particularly to women and children. Rooted in local communities, Girl Guides have consistently demonstrated discipline, leadership and compassion while responding to national emergencies. The DRR Badge Manual builds upon this legacy, reinforcing the Girl Guide motto "Be Prepared" through structured, practical training.

As part of the national rollout of the initiative, the Pakistan Girl Guides Association conducted a Training of Trainers programme from 26 to 30 January 2026, during which 59 master trainers from across Pakistan were trained. These master trainers will further cascade the DRR Badge programme nationwide, ensuring wider outreach and strengthening community-level preparedness and resilience.

NDMA, in partnership with UNICEF and PGGA, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive disaster risk reduction initiatives, particularly focusing on youth and women, to build a safer, more resilient Pakistan through informed, prepared and empowered communities.