Bhubaneswar: The Reliance Foundation and the United Nations India convened a significant gathering of experts and stakeholders from the Global South in Bhubaneswar to discuss innovative approaches to disaster preparedness and early warning systems. The event, titled “Early Warning to Early Action – A Multi-Hazard, Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Learning from Coastal Ecosystems,” marked the first in a series of deliberations aimed at improving disaster management through collaborative solutions.
The convening highlighted Odisha’s leadership in implementing early warning systems, particularly in its disaster-prone coastal areas. Chief Guest Mr. Suresh Pujari, Odisha’s Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, emphasized the state’s proactive efforts to strengthen disaster mitigation strategies. He underscored the importance of integrating advanced technology and data analysis for more precise and actionable early warnings. “Odisha’s recognition as the starting point for this series is a testament to its pioneering work in disaster management. We are committed to collaborating with the UN, Reliance Foundation, and other stakeholders to enhance our capabilities and save more lives,” he said.
Reliance Foundation CEO Jagannatha Kumar highlighted India’s leadership in advancing early warning systems, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by climate-induced extreme events. He emphasized the need for impact-based forecasting that translates effectively into local action, pointing to the lifesaving potential of these systems during disasters like cyclones and floods. Kumar reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to protect vulnerable communities.
UN Resident Coordinator for India, Shombi Sharp, commended Odisha’s achievements and underscored the global significance of its disaster management practices. He described the event as a crucial response to the UN Secretary-General’s call for Early Warning for All, emphasizing the role of knowledge-sharing and collaboration in building resilience. Sharp praised the gathering as an opportunity to showcase Odisha’s success story and inspire similar efforts in other parts of the Global South.
The convening included extensive discussions on the current state of early warning systems and the challenges faced in implementing effective disaster preparedness measures. Experts shared insights on integrating socio-demographic data with meteorological forecasts to create more targeted responses. Participants also explored gender and youth-led initiatives in disaster risk reduction, with an emphasis on protecting livelihoods alongside enhancing early warning systems.
Delegates from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh contributed to the dialogue by sharing their own best practices, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared challenges. Field visits to Balasore and Bhadrak districts allowed participants to witness the implementation of early warning systems at the grassroots level, further enriching the discussions.
An interactive exhibition showcased innovations in disaster preparedness, complementing the event’s focus on fostering knowledge exchange. The convening series aims to document best practices, identify new approaches, and deliver actionable policy recommendations to strengthen disaster resilience across the Global South.
The event reaffirmed Odisha’s position as a global leader in disaster management and underscored the critical role of partnerships in addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. By combining local expertise with international collaboration, the initiative aims to create a more resilient and prepared future for vulnerable communities worldwide.