THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 1, 2026

Odisha is set to take center stage on the global disaster management platform as the first in-person Technical Meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group under India’s BRICS Presidency will be held in Puri from June 3 to 5, 2026. The high-level gathering will bring together delegates, policymakers, disaster management experts, and knowledge partners from BRICS member nations to strengthen international cooperation in building disaster-resilient societies.

BRICS, one of the world’s most influential geopolitical and economic groupings comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, represents nearly half of the global population and more than one-third of the world’s GDP. The meeting follows the successful virtual First Technical Meeting chaired by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on April 29–30 this year.

The three-day event, to be hosted at the Taj Puri Resort, will be held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” Discussions will focus on critical issues including sustainable disaster risk reduction financing, resilient infrastructure, anticipatory response systems, climate adaptation, and the integration of traditional knowledge into modern disaster management strategies.

Odisha’s selection as the host state reflects its internationally acclaimed achievements in disaster preparedness and cyclone management. Over the past two decades, the state has transformed itself from the devastation of the 1999 Super Cyclone into a global model of disaster resilience through investments in early warning systems, robust evacuation mechanisms, resilient infrastructure, and community-based response networks.

The programme will begin on June 2 with the arrival of international delegates and informal engagements. Side events on June 3 will feature thematic deliberations on community-based disaster governance, disaster risk financing, multi-hazard early warning systems, climate-resilient infrastructure, nature-based and indigenous solutions, and the role of science and technology in disaster risk reduction.

The main technical sessions on June 4 will focus on sustainable financing mechanisms for disaster risk reduction and inclusive early warning systems. Delegates will also visit the iconic Konark Sun Temple, offering a glimpse into Odisha’s rich cultural heritage. On June 5, discussions will shift to climate-resilient infrastructure, traditional and nature-based solutions, and technological innovations in disaster management, followed by a field exposure visit to Ramachandi to observe coastal boat rescue operations and community preparedness initiatives.

The meeting is expected to strengthen BRICS cooperation in disaster risk reduction, facilitate the development of technical reports and policy frameworks, identify scalable financing and innovation models, and enhance knowledge-sharing mechanisms among member countries.

For Odisha, the event represents a significant opportunity to showcase its pioneering practices in disaster response and risk mitigation before a global audience. The state’s globally recognised early warning systems, last-mile communication strategies, and community-led preparedness measures are expected to serve as valuable learning models for participating countries.

Puri’s selection as the venue carries special significance. As a coastal city vulnerable to cyclones, storm surges, and climate-related hazards, it exemplifies both the challenges and successes of disaster resilience. The city is also renowned for hosting the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, where more than one crore devotees are managed safely through meticulous planning, coordinated emergency response, and effective crowd management systems.

According to NDMA, hosting the meeting in Puri will provide BRICS nations with firsthand exposure to Odisha’s best practices in coastal resilience, community participation, and multi-hazard preparedness. The event also aligns with India’s broader objective of promoting international knowledge exchange and scalable community-based disaster management models within the BRICS framework.

As global climate risks continue to intensify, the Puri meeting is expected to emerge as a key platform for advancing collaborative solutions and reinforcing the collective commitment of BRICS nations towards a safer, more resilient future.