Page 12 - Workshop on Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction

Workshop on “Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction: The Role
of Standardization and Innovative Technologies”

It highlighted the critical challenges faced in DRR, including the management of vast data,
the necessity for time efficiency, and the importance of geospatial precision in processes
related to Earth observations and multi-agency coordination. The presentation outlined a
historical perspective on disasters over the past 25 years, noting the frequency and mortality
rates associated with various climatic and biological disasters across different states and Union
Territories (UTs). His presentation also elaborated on the importance of integrating science,
technology, and innovation in enhancing city resilience, addressing chemical-industrial risks,
and adapting to climate change. Furthermore, it discusses the significance of a research-policy-
practice interface in developing effective DRR strategies, including the localization of prototypes
at various levels such as districts, cities, and industrial zones. The presentation concluded with
a call for innovative training methods, including simulations and augmented/virtual reality, to
enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

• Marco Obiso, Chief of the Digital Network Society Department, Telecommunication
Development Bureau, ITU

Mr Obiso through the presentation highlighted how the integration of AI in disaster management
is increasingly recognized as a transformative approach to enhancing preparedness and
response capabilities. One of the key areas of focus is the development of user profiles and
sentiment analysis to tailor warnings effectively, ensuring that information is both understandable
and actionable for the target audience. This involves evaluating infrastructure resilience and
tracking responses to alerts, which are critical for improving the overall effectiveness of disaster
response systems.
A significant component of this initiative is the establishment of a Multi-Hazard Early Warning
System (MHEWS), which is structured around four pillars: governance, infrastructure, inclusion,
and quality and trust. The governance aspect ensures that all countries agree on the roles and
responsibilities of each actor involved in the warning dissemination process, which is defined
through government policy. Furthermore, optimizing communication channels to reach
underserved communities is essential for effective warning dissemination and communication.
AI plays a crucial role in enhancing these systems by providing opportunities to optimize
communication channels, evaluate infrastructure resilience, and improve the clarity of messages.
The establishment of the AI Sub-Group for the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative aims
to leverage public-private partnerships to enhance global early warning systems, focusing on
delivering timely and relevant information to communities at risk.

Through his presentation Mr Obiso highlighted that these activities complement the work
of the ITU/WMO/UNEP Focus Group on AI for Natural Disaster Management (FG-AI4NDM),
emphasizing the need for effective governance, infrastructure, and communication strategies
to ensure that all individuals receive timely and actionable warnings.
• Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT

Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay (C-DOT), emphasized the importance of standardization and innovative
technologies in DRR. The presentation outlined the significant financial and human costs
associated with disasters, highlighting that over 567 million people have been affected and
financial losses have reached approximately 788 billion USD in the last five years due to climate
change and other factors.

DRR aims to create resilient communities capable of withstanding, adapting to, and recovering
from disasters. This involves understanding risks, preparing adequately, and implementing early

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