10th Session of APDIM on Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance Held in New Delhi
The 10th Session of the Asian and Pacific Centre for Development of Disaster Information Management on Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The Indian delegation was led by Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs and Disaster Management. The delegation also included Shri Rajendra Singh, Member and Head of Department, National Disaster Management Authority, and Shri Manish Bharadwaj, Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority.
India Highlights Commitment to Regional Disaster Resilience
In his inaugural address, Shri Nityanand Rai underscored India’s focus on strengthening regional disaster resilience and cooperation. He stated that under India’s Chairmanship and the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the country will advance a comprehensive capacity-building agenda covering risk assessment, geospatial applications, impact-based forecasting, early warning dissemination, and climate-resilient infrastructure planning.
India reiterated its commitment to collaborating closely with APDIM and regional partners to address disaster and climate risks across the Asia-Pacific. The collaboration with UN ESCAP, APDIM, and other multilateral platforms aligns with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s 10-Point Agenda for Disaster Risk Reduction, which stresses local-level investment, use of technology, academic and research networks, stronger risk data systems, and regional cooperation.
Deliberations and Strategic Planning
The session ended with a collective agreement to strengthen regional collaboration and adopt innovative approaches for disaster risk reduction in the Asia-Pacific. Discussions included the Governing Council’s review of APDIM’s previous year activities, plans for 2026, and the strategic work plan for 2026-2030. The outcomes of the meeting will guide APDIM’s overall programme of work and support progress toward the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Participation From Member States and Organizations
The tenth session of the Governing Council was attended by delegation heads and representatives from Bangladesh, Iran, Maldives, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Turkey, with observer representation from Tajikistan. The session also included the participation of Mr. Stephen Cooper, Director of Administration at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, Ms. Letizia Rossano, Director of APDIM, Mr. Mostafa Mohanghegh, Senior Coordinator of APDIM, and officials from the APDIM Secretariat, Iran, and observer organizations.