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On the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), celebrated on October 13, 2025, the University of Goma (UNIGOM), through its Higher School of Volcanology, Risk Management and Disaster Management, organized a scientific and reflection day around the global theme: "Financing resilience and not disasters."

This activity, held at the Campus du Lac, brought together teachers, students, technical partners, representatives of local and international organizations, as well as several risk management actors such as ActionAid and CAFOD. Together, they reflected on the need to move from a logic of reaction to a logic of prevention in the face of natural and man-made hazards that threaten the communities of North Kivu and the DRC in general.

The Rector: "Financing resilience means protecting life"

In his opening speech, Professor Muhindo Mughanda, Rector of the University of Goma, recalled that nature, although a source of wealth, can also be ruthless. The volcanic eruptions of Nyiragongo, the recurrent floods, the ravines and urban fires in Goma, Bukavu or Butembo demonstrate, according to him, the vulnerability of populations to disasters.

"We can no longer wait for disasters to strike before reacting. We must anticipate, plan and build resilient systems capable of absorbing shocks before they become human tragedies," he said.

The Rector insisted that resilience must be funded as a national priority, in the same way as major development programs:

"Preventing always costs less than repairing. Investing in resilience is investing in life, human dignity and the future of our societies."

He welcomed the commitment of Master's students in risk and disaster management who actively participate in research and awareness on these issues, recalling that education remains the first investment towards resilience.

A call to get involved and enroll in scientific training on risks

Taking advantage of this occasion, Rector Muhindo Mughanda also launched a vibrant appeal to young people and researchers to join the Higher School of Volcanology, Risk Management and Disaster Management of the University of Goma.

He expressed his surprise that, despite the presence of the Nyiragongo volcano and the frequency of disasters in the region, few students are still engaging in this essential field of study.

"It is astonishing to see that we live in a region surrounded by constant volcanic and environmental risks, and yet this school, which has been open for three years, is still not very frequented. The field of research is vast and the needs are immense. We must train a critical mass of scientists capable of understanding and preventing these risks," he insisted.

This call is part of the University of Goma's desire to stimulate applied research and train a new generation of experts ready to contribute to the country's security and sustainable development.

Dr. Blaise Mafuko: "Resilience is built before the disaster"

Taking the floor in turn, Dr. Blaise Mafuko, Director of the Higher School of Volcanology, Risk Management and Disaster Management, stressed that resilience should not be seen as a simple reaction after the fact, but as a permanent process of adaptation and preparation.

"Resilience is built before the disaster, not after. It consists of strengthening local capacities to anticipate risks, absorb shocks and transform in order to better cope with future crises," he explained.

He also recalled the importance of scientific training, urban planning and applied research, three essential pillars for developing sustainable public policies in the region.

Partners welcome the University's commitment

The ActionAid partner, represented at the conference, presented its initiatives in community-based risk management in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.

This organization highlighted the creation of mixed community groups that bring together teachers, children, women and agricultural producers, responsible for developing risk reduction plans and carrying out advocacy actions with local authorities.

These initiatives, according to ActionAid, have already enabled some communities to mobilize local resources and react more effectively to environmental and social emergencies.

An advocacy for a lasting change of mentality

Beyond the speeches, the commemoration