The first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working will begin in Puri of Odisha today under India’s BRICS Presidency. The three-day event has brought together delegates, policymakers and disaster management experts from eleven BRICS member and partner countries, including Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran and Indonesia.

The meeting is focusing on strengthening disaster resilience and promoting sustainable development across the Global South. Discussions will also be held on sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction, development of resilient infrastructure, anticipatory response mechanisms and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern disaster management practices. Odisha has been selected as the host state in recognition of its globally acknowledged expertise in disaster preparedness, particularly its effective cyclone management, community-based early warning systems and efficient evacuation and rescue operations.