Page 9 - Workshop on Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction

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

Key Objectives

1. Underscore the importance of standardization in building robust systems for disaster
risk reduction (DRR) and resilience�
2. Explore the role of emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics in disaster
prediction, response, and recovery�
3. Facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue on the intersection of technology, standards,
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and DRR frameworks, particularly in vulnerable
regions�

Opening Remarks

The workshop commenced with the opening remarks from Mr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary
of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), who emphasized on the pivotal role
of telecommunications as a foundational, "horizontal" technology upon which many other
technologies depend. He emphasized the timeliness of discussions on disaster risk reduction,
given the increasing reliance on telecom systems. Dr. Mittal also highlighted India's advancements
in early warning systems, particularly the development of cell broadcast technology, which has
been vital in preventing numerous disasters. He further encouraged collaboration and the
leveraging of new advancements in technology to guide disaster management actions.

Mr Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the ITU, highlighted the growing frequency
and intensity of disasters, noting that while both traditional and emerging technologies, such
as satellites and AI, can significantly aid disaster management, they are also vulnerable to these
events. He emphasized ITU’s active role in this area, including monitoring disasters from space
and coordinating the Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) to ensure communication
systems remain operational during natural calamities.

Mr. Lamanauskas also underscored the critical contributions of the ITU/WMO/UNEP Focus
Group on AI for Natural Disaster Management (FG-AI4NDM), which is at the forefront of
leveraging modern technologies to address disaster-related challenges. Building on the work
of FG-AI4NDM, the Global Initiative on Resilience to Natural Hazards through AI Solutions,
supported by ITU, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),
and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) was launched to harness emerging technologies and
facilitate standardization related to disaster management.

Through a video message, Mr Kamal Kishore, Assistant Secretary-General and Special
Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, underscored the need
to rethink disaster risk reduction strategies by incorporating standardization and emerging
technologies. He commended the collaboration between the ITU, UNCCD, UNDRR in
organizing this workshop, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in addressing the
global challenge of disaster management. Mr Kishore highlighted that traditional approaches,
often reactive in nature, are no longer sufficient to meet the increasing risks posed by disasters.
A more proactive focus on preparedness and prevention is essential. He stressed the vital
role of standardization in disaster risk reduction, identifying three key areas where it can
have the most impact. First, by developing universal protocols, organizations and nations
can improve coordination in disaster response. Second, standardizing building codes can
ensure infrastructure resilience, potentially saving lives and minimizing economic losses. Third,

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