Page 7 - Workshop on Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction

Executive Summary

The workshop titled "Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction: The Role of Standardization and
Innovative Technologies" took place on 17 October 2024, during the Indian Mobile Congress
in New Delhi, India. Co-organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Office for
Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI),
the event convened experts to examine how standardization and emerging technologies can
enhance disaster resilience.
The workshop emphasized the critical role of standardization in building resilient systems for
disaster risk reduction (DRR). It also explored the potential of emerging technologies—such as
artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and data analytics—to improve disaster
prediction, response, and recovery. The event fostered multi-stakeholder discussions on the
intersection of technology, international standards, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
and DRR frameworks, with a special focus on vulnerable regions.

Two thematic sessions were featured. The first, "Transforming Disaster Management: The Role
of AI in Crisis Response," highlighted the transformative potential of AI in managing crises and
mitigating disaster impacts, particularly through AI-driven disaster response systems and the
role of standards. The second session, "Frontiers in Tech: Battling Drought and Desertification,"
explored technological solutions for drought resilience, the role of standardization in climate
adaptation, and innovations in agriculture aimed at addressing climate-related challenges.

A key highlight of the workshop was the focus on the ITU/WMO/UNEP Focus Group on AI for
Natural Disaster Management (FG-AI4NDM), which played an important role in shaping AI
solutions for disaster management. Between 2020-2024, FG-AI4NDM developed best practices
and standards for the use of AI in natural disaster management, enhancing early warning systems
and improving data-driven decision-making processes in response to natural hazards.

During the course of the Workshop, the Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through
AI Solutions was also introduced. This initiative promotes the integration of AI technologies into
global efforts to build resilience against natural hazards. The initiative focuses on leveraging AI
for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, particularly in high-risk areas, ensuring that
these advanced technologies are accessible and impactful for countries vulnerable to natural
disasters.

The workshop highlighted the need for strengthened international collaboration in the
development and implementation of standards for disaster risk reduction. It focused on how
AI, IoT, and big data can enhance early warning systems and improve disaster response times.
Discussions also underscored the role of AI in agriculture and food security, particularly in
precision farming and drought monitoring, as a strategy to combat desertification and ensure
sustainable food production.

Overall, the workshop provided a vital platform for cross-sector dialogue, underscoring
the importance of both standardization and innovative technologies in DRR. Participants
committed to collective action to ensure the global deployment of these technologies, laying
the groundwork for future standardization within this domain.

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