BRICS Nations Gather in Puri to Strengthen Disaster Resilience Cooperation

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: Odisha’s globally recognised disaster management model will come into focus on the international stage as Puri hosts the BRICS 2026 Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG) from June 4 to 6. Organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship, the meeting will bring together senior officials and disaster management experts from 11 member nations to deliberate on strategies for building resilient communities and strengthening disaster preparedness.

The event, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” will witness participation from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The discussions are expected to deepen collaboration among BRICS nations in addressing disaster risks and enhancing resilience against natural and human-induced hazards.

Key deliberations during the three-day meeting will focus on community-based disaster risk reduction, financing mechanisms for disaster management, resilient infrastructure, multi-hazard early warning systems, nature-based solutions, and the role of science, technology and innovation in strengthening disaster resilience.

Puri was selected as the venue in recognition of Odisha’s remarkable achievements in disaster preparedness and response. The state has earned international acclaim for its effective cyclone management strategies, robust early warning systems, large-scale evacuation planning and community-driven disaster response mechanisms, which have significantly reduced casualties during major natural calamities in recent years.

As part of the programme, delegates will visit Ramchandi near Puri to witness a live demonstration of water rescue operations by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). They will also interact with trained community volunteers through programmes organised by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), providing them an opportunity to observe Odisha’s grassroots-level disaster preparedness and coastal resilience initiatives.

The visiting delegates will further undertake a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Konark, showcasing Odisha’s cultural heritage alongside its accomplishments in disaster risk reduction.

The inaugural session and key events will be attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, NDMA Member and Head of Department Dr. Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, and senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.

Officials said the meeting will serve as an important platform for sharing best practices, fostering international cooperation and promoting sustainable disaster risk reduction frameworks among BRICS countries, while also highlighting Odisha’s emergence as a global model in disaster management.