Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction: ITU-UNDRR Workshop Explores Role of Technology and Standardization

Experts Advocate Cross-Sector Collaboration to Enhance Global Resilience Against Disasters Using Emerging Technologies.

The ITU-UN Disaster Risk Reduction workshop, themed “Reimagining Disaster Risk Reduction: The Role of Standardization and Innovative Technologies,” brought together global experts yesterday to discuss the transformative potential of advanced technologies in disaster management. The workshop focused on how innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, drones, and digital twins can be integrated into disaster risk reduction strategies, urging cross-sector collaboration for greater resilience against disasters.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, emphasized the evolving role of technology in disaster mitigation. “Technology is converging rapidly in terms of its capabilities, platforms, and devices. Soon, we may have single technologies capable of addressing multiple needs, especially in disaster management,” Dr. Mittal stated. He highlighted the critical role of telecommunications, describing it as a "horizontal technology" essential for the operation of all other systems. He also showcased India’s achievements, including the development of cell broadcast technology by C-DoT, which plays a pivotal role in early warning systems and has already been used to prevent numerous disasters.

The workshop featured discussions on the innovative use of technologies such as AI, big data, digital twins, drones, blockchain, and remote sensing in enhancing disaster prediction, response, and recovery. Participants explored how these technologies could increase prediction accuracy, improve response times, and streamline recovery efforts after disasters. Central to these discussions was the need for standardization, ensuring that emerging technologies are seamlessly integrated and accessible globally for disaster risk reduction.

Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), acknowledged the growing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. He emphasized the dual role of both traditional and advanced technologies in disaster management but also warned that these systems are vulnerable to the very disasters they are designed to combat. "Satellite technology and AI can offer invaluable support, but they must be resilient. ITU is working on this, providing emergency telecommunications clusters and monitoring disaster situations from space," said Lamanauskas.

A keynote presentation by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) underscored the importance of data-driven solutions in disaster predictions and responses. By leveraging real-time data and analytics, organizations can better anticipate disasters and take proactive measures to reduce their impact, ultimately saving lives and minimizing damage.

A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the importance of international collaboration and standardization in integrating new technologies. Standardized approaches ensure that innovations such as AI, blockchain, and remote sensing can be deployed effectively across different sectors and regions, creating a cohesive global disaster response framework.

The workshop concluded with a resounding call for deeper cross-sector partnerships. By bringing together governments, industries, and international organizations, participants stressed the importance of building a unified, technology-driven approach to disaster preparedness. Such collaboration is vital to ensure that communities around the world are better equipped to face natural disasters and recover from them swiftly.

With a broad range of stakeholders present, including policymakers, disaster management specialists, and representatives from global organizations, the ITU-UNDRR workshop marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to enhance global disaster resilience through technology and standardized strategies.

This workshop serves as a critical step forward in reimagining how technology and cooperation can mitigate the devastating effects of natural disasters, emphasizing that the future of disaster risk reduction lies in innovation, integration, and international collaboration.