• Nikki Antonette De Vera, an advocate for disaster risk reduction (DRR) from the Philippines, emerges as a beacon of change in the field. Nikki’s exposure to emergency response efforts early in life inspired her commitment to sustainable livelihoods and equitable DRR.
• As an alum of the UNITAR Hiroshima Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme, her journey underscores the symbiotic relationship between culture and learning in building resilient communities.
• The UNITAR training programme provides a women's leadership training programme in disaster risk reduction to be conducted in Samoa, aiming to empower women leaders with the knowledge and skills needed for effective disaster resilience efforts.

Nikki's step into the realm of disaster risk reduction was not only a professional choice but a calling born from personal experiences. Growing up in an environment where her mother participated in emergency response efforts, Nikki gained early exposure to the aftermath of disasters. As a young child, Nikki understood the indomitable spirit of disaster survivors and the cycle of poverty perpetuated by recurring catastrophes. Nikki realized that in the Philippines, the country itself suffers from many disasters year-round and addressing disaster risk and changes in climate is not just to mitigate damages but is a way to survive. Combined, this exposure became the impetus for Nikki's determined pursuit of equitable disaster management, economic empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

I saw that many of the problems in many communities in my country needed more knowledge, more support [without] understanding the root of why it is always that when disasters happen, this cycle of poverty repeats.” – Nikki Antonette De Vera, UNITAR alumna

Nikki's engagement with the UNITAR Hiroshima Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme brought a transformative shift in her perspective, igniting a renewed commitment within her. The programme's innovative hybrid structure, seamlessly blending online and in-person training, catered perfectly to Nikki's needs as a working professional and devoted mother. In the initial phase of immersive online training, Phase I, Nikki was exposed to interactive and enlightening insights into disaster risk reduction concepts. This foundation was significantly enriched in Phase II, where the in-person training took place in Samoa. This dynamic approach facilitated a profound learning experience, unhindered by constraints, and promoted active participation. Nikki, in the company of a diverse cohort, gained practical exposure by visiting a location previously affected by a tsunami, which had upended the lives of a community of 2000 inhabitants. This unique opportunity afforded her the privilege of listening to firsthand narratives from individuals, including those from Tonga, who generously shared their personal encounters with the tsunami's impact on their homeland.

Through these exchanges, Nikki gained valuable insights into the multifaceted strategies undertaken by governments, NGOs, and local communities to bolster their disaster and climate resilience capabilities. This collective endeavor highlighted the monumental strides made in the realms of disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. Armed with this enriched knowledge, Nikki was well-equipped to assimilate essential practical lessons, which she is now poised to apply in her disaster relief efforts back home in the Philippines.

Networking of people connecting many women from all the countries in the Pacific and Asia and create a Nexus of people who will be fighting for disaster resilience.” – Nikki Antonette De Vera, UNITAR alum

Nikki's journey serves as a living testament to UNITAR's unwavering commitment to capacity-building and fostering empowered change-makers. Her online and in-person training experience as “enriching” encapsulates the depth of knowledge gained and the profound personal growth achieved. Looking ahead, Nikki envisions UNITAR's continued innovation and expansion, envisioning a global network of empowered disaster resilience advocates. Nikki's journey embodies the potential of culture, learning, and collaboration to transform disaster risk reduction into a shared global endeavor.

Training is very enriching because you're sharing the stage with fellow women and men as well about with their experience.” – Nikki Antonette De Vera, UNITAR alum

The year 2023 marks 20 years since the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Hiroshima Office was established. As part of the UNITAR alum community, Nikki applauded the UNITAR experience as deeply enriching. Looking ahead to the next two decades, her vision for UNITAR is one of relentless innovation. Nikki emphasizes the critical need for the program to remain at the forefront of technological advancements as it grows. As she envisions the years ahead, Nikki underscores the significance of fostering collaborations and networks among individuals, particularly women, spanning the expanse of Pacific and Asian countries. Through these concerted efforts, facilitated by the dedication of hardworking individuals, Nikki envisions the creation of a robust and interconnected community committed to disaster resilience and sustainable development.