In a groundbreaking initiative, Belize is harnessing the power of its youth to champion climate resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Marking World Children’s Day, Greater Belize Media, in collaboration with UNICEF Belize and Youth Ambassador Beyonce Villafranco, emphasized the critical role of children in shaping disaster preparedness strategies. The campaign, themed “My Day, My Rights,” underscores the importance of listening to young voices and empowering them to influence the future they envision. The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, a category five storm, has starkly highlighted the escalating frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters, particularly in vulnerable nations like Belize. Jenna Hoare, UNICEF’s Representative for Disaster Risk Management, introduced a comprehensive “multi-sectorial toolkit” developed in partnership with the government. This toolkit outlines actionable steps to safeguard children before, during, and after disasters, including shelter checklists and post-disaster child protection programs. National Emergency Coordinator Daniel Mendez stressed the importance of youth engagement in making disaster preparedness a societal norm. Through initiatives like the School Disaster Leadership Team, NEMO aims to equip students with the skills and resilience needed to lead in disaster response. “Children are not powerless,” Mendez asserted, advocating for their active participation in disaster planning and readiness. This forward-thinking approach seeks to embed disaster risk reduction into the fabric of daily life, ensuring a safer future for generations to come.