Odisha Gears Up for Major BRICS Disaster Management Summit
Puri, one of Odisha’s most prominent coastal cities, is hosting the Second BRICS Technical Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group from June 3 to June 5, 2026. The three-day event is being organized under India’s BRICS Presidency and will bring together delegates, policymakers, and disaster management experts from 11 BRICS member and partner countries.
Moreover, the meeting highlights India’s growing leadership in global disaster resilience and climate preparedness initiatives. It also provides a platform for participating nations to exchange best practices and strengthen cooperation in disaster risk management.
Representatives From 11 Countries to Participate
Delegates from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia are expected to attend the high-level discussions in Puri. The expanded BRICS grouping now represents a significant share of the global population and economy, making the meeting particularly important for international cooperation on disaster resilience.
Furthermore, the gathering will allow member nations to share experiences and develop coordinated strategies to address growing challenges posed by natural disasters and climate-related emergencies.
Why Odisha Was Chosen as the Host
Odisha was selected as the host state because of its internationally recognized achievements in disaster preparedness and management. Over the years, the state has earned praise for its effective cyclone management, robust early warning systems, and large-scale evacuation operations.
In addition, Odisha’s community-based disaster response model has become a global example of how proactive planning can significantly reduce loss of life during extreme weather events. The state’s experience makes it an ideal venue for discussions on disaster resilience.
Key Topics on the Agenda
The meeting will focus on several critical areas of disaster risk reduction and resilience building. Discussions are expected to cover:
- Sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction
- Development of resilient infrastructure
- Anticipatory response mechanisms
- Climate adaptation strategies
- Integration of traditional knowledge into disaster management
- International cooperation in disaster preparedness
These themes reflect the increasing importance of collaborative action in addressing climate-related risks and humanitarian challenges.
First In-Person Meeting Under India’s BRICS Presidency
India previously chaired the first technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group virtually in April 2026. However, the Puri event marks the first in-person technical meeting under India’s current BRICS Presidency.
As a result, experts expect more detailed discussions and stronger engagement among participating countries. The meeting is also expected to pave the way for future collaborative projects and policy initiatives in disaster management.
Opportunity for Knowledge Sharing
One of the primary objectives of the gathering is to facilitate knowledge exchange among BRICS nations. Participants will discuss emerging technologies, innovative risk-reduction practices, and successful disaster response models adopted by different countries.
Moreover, experts believe that greater cooperation among BRICS countries can strengthen global disaster preparedness and improve resilience against future climate-related threats.
Boost for Odisha’s Global Profile
Hosting the BRICS DRR meeting is expected to enhance Odisha’s international reputation in disaster management and climate resilience. The event offers the state an opportunity to showcase its achievements before a global audience of policymakers and experts.
Furthermore, the conference may encourage future collaborations, research partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives involving Odisha and other BRICS nations.
Conclusion
The Second BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting in Puri marks an important milestone under India’s BRICS Presidency. Bringing together representatives from 11 countries, the event will focus on disaster resilience, sustainable infrastructure, climate preparedness, and international cooperation.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe worldwide, such collaborative platforms play a crucial role in strengthening preparedness and building resilient communities. Moreover, Odisha’s successful disaster management model is expected to provide valuable lessons for countries across the Global South.
