Second BRICS Technical Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Commences in Puri, Odisha

                                                                                                                                                             PURI, ODISHA | June 4, 2026

The Second Technical Meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group held in Puri, Odisha, under India’s BRICS Presidency. The two-day meeting, was held from June 4–5, 2026, brings together policymakers, technical experts and government officials from the 11 BRICS member countries to strengthen collaboration in disaster risk reduction and resilience.

The meeting is being organised under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, reflecting the collective commitment of BRICS nations to advancing resilient and sustainable disaster management practices through enhanced cooperation and knowledge sharing.

                 

Representatives from China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates have participated in the deliberations. The technical sessions focused on critical areas including community-based disaster risk reduction, disaster risk financing, multi-hazard early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and the application of science, technology, and innovation to strengthen disaster resilience.

Odisha have been selected as the host state in recognition of its internationally acknowledged achievements in disaster preparedness and management. The state’s robust systems for early warning dissemination, timely evacuation, cyclone preparedness, and community-led disaster response have earned global recognition as a model for effective disaster risk management.

           

As part of the programme, delegates had witnessed a live demonstration by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) showcasing water rescue preparedness and response capabilities at Ramchandi. They had also interacted with trained community volunteers during a field programme organised by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to gain firsthand insights into Odisha’s best practices in coastal disaster resilience, community preparedness, and disaster response.

       

The technical meeting served as an important platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and fostering stronger cooperation among BRICS nations towards building safer, more resilient, and sustainable communities.