Bhubaneswar, Nov 19 : Reliance Foundation and the United Nations India convened experts and stakeholders in Bhubaneswar to explore innovative approaches for strengthening early disaster response. The event, titled “Early Warning to Early Action – A Multi-Hazard, Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Learning from Coastal Ecosystems,” is the first in a series of collaborative convenings aimed at advancing early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
The session spotlighted Odisha’s leadership in disaster management, particularly in its disaster-prone coastal regions, with a focus on livelihoods and gender-sensitive approaches, according to a statement by Reliance Foundation. Participants included representatives from national and state disaster management agencies, such as the National Disaster Management Authority, India Meteorological Department, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, UN agencies, academics, and NGOs.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, noted the state’s proactive approach to disaster mitigation, emphasizing its commitment to collaboration. “We are working collectively to further enhance early warning systems. We welcome technological support and innovative solutions from stakeholders like the UN and Reliance Foundation to improve disaster prediction and response,” he said.
Jagannatha Kumar, CEO of Reliance Foundation, highlighted the critical need for impact-based forecasting in the face of increasing climate-driven extreme events. “India is a global leader in advancing early warning systems. Through this convening series, we aim to translate knowledge into actionable, localized solutions that save lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator for India, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to bolstering early warning systems in partnership with the government, civil society, and organizations like Reliance Foundation.
The Early Warning to Early Action series aims to document best practices, foster innovation, and drive policy-level solutions to strengthen disaster resilience and safeguard communities.
