The first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, held in Puri, Odisha from June 3–5, marks an important step in strengthening cooperation on disaster resilience among emerging economies. Convened under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the meeting brings together senior officials and experts from the expanded BRICS grouping, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and other participating partners. More than a routine diplomatic engagement, the gathering reflects a growing recognition that climate-induced disasters, extreme weather events and environmental risks require coordinated responses that extend beyond national boundaries.
From Dialogue to Action
The Puri meeting represents a transition from consultation to implementation. While the DRR Working Group held its first technical interaction virtually in April 2026, the Odisha session is designed to advance practical cooperation and establish pathways for collective action. It also coincides with India’s BRICS presidency, giving New Delhi an opportunity to shape a shared agenda on disaster resilience and climate adaptation.
The selection of Odisha as the venue carries considerable symbolic and practical significance. Once synonymous with vulnerability following the devastating 1999 Super Cyclone, the state has emerged as an internationally recognized model for disaster preparedness. Through investments in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, evacuation planning and community participation, Odisha has significantly reduced disaster-related fatalities, creating a “zero-casualty” approach that many developing nations now seek to emulate.
Why Disaster Cooperation Matters
The expansion of BRICS has brought into the grouping several countries that face recurring threats from cyclones, floods, droughts, earthquakes, heatwaves and other climate-related hazards. As these risks intensify due to climate change, disaster management has evolved from a humanitarian concern into a strategic development priority.
For emerging economies, disasters can reverse years of economic progress, deepen poverty and strain public finances. Consequently, building resilience is increasingly viewed as essential to sustainable growth. The DRR Working Group seeks to create a framework through which member countries can exchange expertise, strengthen preparedness and develop collaborative mechanisms for risk reduction.
Key Areas of Discussion
The meeting focuses on six interconnected pillars that form the foundation of a comprehensive disaster resilience strategy:
· Community-Based Governance
Strengthening local participation in disaster planning and response to ensure solutions are tailored to community realities.
· Disaster Risk Financing
Developing sustainable financial instruments and insurance mechanisms that enable rapid recovery while protecting vulnerable populations from economic shocks.
· Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems
Enhancing science-based and inclusive warning systems capable of addressing multiple threats simultaneously.
· Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Promoting infrastructure that can withstand climate-related stresses through both engineering innovation and nature-based solutions.
· Traditional Knowledge and Indigenous Practices
Recognizing local knowledge systems as valuable tools in risk mitigation and adaptation strategies.
· Science, Technology and Innovation
Leveraging emerging technologies, data analytics and digital tools to improve preparedness, response and recovery.
Among these priorities, Disaster Risk Finance has emerged as a particularly significant area, reflecting the need to shift from reactive disaster relief to proactive resilience-building.
Broader Implications and the Road Ahead
Beyond technical cooperation, the Puri meeting signals the emergence of a more coordinated Global South approach to disaster governance. By emphasizing community participation, local knowledge and shared learning, BRICS is attempting to broaden the global conversation on resilience beyond traditional frameworks.
However, significant challenges remain. Member countries differ widely in institutional capacity, financial resources and technological readiness. The ultimate measure of success will depend on whether discussions lead to concrete outcomes such as joint action plans, financing arrangements and technology-sharing partnerships.
Building a New Architecture for Risk Reduction
The Puri meeting represents a significant moment in the evolution of BRICS cooperation. By placing disaster resilience at the center of its agenda, the grouping acknowledges that climate risks are among the defining challenges of the twenty-first century. If the deliberations translate into actionable commitments and sustained collaboration, BRICS could help shape a more inclusive and practical global architecture for disaster risk reduction—one rooted in the experiences, needs and innovations of the developing world.
(With agency inputs)
