Puri to Host BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting from June 3

Puri, India, is set to host the second BRICS Technical Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) from June 3-5, a critical gathering under India's 2026 chairmanship. This event underscores the Expanded BRICS bloc's urgent commitment to bolstering collective climate resilience and sharing advanced strategies against escalating natural hazards, with the coastal state of Odisha offering its lauded disaster management model as a prime example. The timing is crucial as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events across BRICS nations, from droughts in Brazil and South Africa to cyclones in India and China. India, leveraging its recent G20 presidency's focus on disaster resilience, is positioning itself as a leader in multilateral DRR efforts. The meeting will see delegates from the recently Expanded BRICS—including new members like Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia—exchange best practices on Early Warning Systems and sustainable infrastructure, crucial for protecting vulnerable populations. Expect discussions to center on harmonizing DRR strategies, enhancing technological cooperation, and strengthening South-South Cooperation for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Key outcomes could include a roadmap for joint research initiatives and the establishment of shared protocols for rapid disaster response. This meeting is a pivotal step in translating the BRICS commitment into actionable frameworks, setting a precedent for future collaboration in a world increasingly challenged by environmental volatility.