Pakistan’s Innovative Disaster Risk Reduction Approach Highlighted in UNESCO Meeting

ISLAMABAD, Sep 27 (Alliance News): UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, met with Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, to discuss Pakistan’s cutting-edge approach to Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) during a meeting in Paris.

The two leaders emphasized Pakistan’s DRR model, which is recognized globally as a best practice for integrating science, technology, and data-driven methodologies in risk management, according to a news release on Friday.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) were identified as pivotal elements in modern DRR strategies, highlighting their crucial roles in predictive analytics and enhancing early warning systems.

Chairman Malik stressed the significance of regional collaboration for effective disaster management and introduced the concept of Disaster Impact Reduction (DIR), aimed at minimizing the aftermath of disasters through timely actions and resource allocation.

Both leaders agreed on the necessity for credible early warning systems, underscoring the importance of timely information sharing and resource allocation to prevent unnecessary losses.

Lt. Gen. Malik also pointed out the need to simplify complex scientific data to ensure it is accessible to at-risk communities and decision-makers.

Lidia Brito commended Pakistan’s efforts in DRR and the integration of early warning systems, asserting that scientific data, including AI and ML, will play a critical role in mitigating disaster impacts on a global scale.

This meeting represents a significant advancement in global cooperation for disaster risk reduction and resilience-building, aligning with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.