Expert Group Meeting on Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance

On 21 November, APDIM concluded the Expert Group Meeting on “Inclusive Disaster Risk Data Governance”, convened in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India. Held in New Delhi, the meeting brought together senior officials from Asia Pacific, scientists, international experts, and regional partners around a shared vision: disaster risk information that is inclusive, interoperable, ethically governed, and accessible to all.

Over four technical sessions, participants examined how global frameworks and emerging technologies can be translated into practice, focusing on applying global standards at regional and national levels, advancing impact-based forecasting and multi-hazard analytics, assessing interdependencies in critical infrastructure resilience, and promoting the responsible and inclusive use of emerging technologies, including AI. A dedicated session with high-level representatives from Bangladesh, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mongolia, Tajikistan, and Türkiye highlighted concrete examples and challenges in layering socio-economic vulnerability with hazard risk analysis and underscored the importance of integrating indigenous and traditional knowledge along with emerging technologies and of stronger regional collaboration towards standardized data sharing.

Conclusions from this meeting will directly inform the deliberations of the Tenth Session of APDIM Governing Council and guide APDIM’s 2026 programme of work towards risk-informed, inclusive and sustainable development across Asia–Pacific.

APDIM extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of India National Disaster Management Authority, all participating countries, expert partners and the wider ESCAP community for their commitment to strengthening more inclusive disaster risk data governance in the region.