Bhubaneswar, June 1: Odisha has been selected to host the first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group under India’s BRICS Presidency, a recognition of the state's globally acknowledged expertise in disaster preparedness and cyclone management, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Monday.
The three-day meeting will be held from June 3 to 5 at the Taj Puri Resort in Puri. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the workshop on June 4.
Addressing a press conference, Pujari said the event will bring together delegates, policymakers and disaster management experts from BRICS nations to deliberate on strengthening disaster resilience and enhancing international cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
The meeting follows the first technical session of the BRICS DRR Working Group, which was chaired virtually by India's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on April 29 and 30, 2026. The virtual deliberations saw participation from member countries aimed at advancing a shared agenda on disaster resilience.
According to the minister, the upcoming gathering in Puri is expected to witness the participation of representatives from BRICS member countries and partner nations, along with officials from the Government of India, disaster management agencies and technical experts.
Highlighting Odisha's disaster management achievements, Pujari noted that the state has successfully handled several major cyclones and natural calamities over the last two decades through timely evacuations, robust preparedness measures and active community participation.
He said the event would provide Odisha an opportunity to showcase its disaster management model while also learning from global best practices in the field.
Key discussions during the meeting will focus on sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure, anticipatory response mechanisms and the integration of traditional knowledge into disaster resilience strategies.
As part of the programme, delegates will undertake study visits to cyclone shelters and disaster management facilities across Odisha to gain first-hand insights into the state's preparedness framework. Sightseeing activities have also been planned for the visiting participants.
Senior state government officials, including departmental secretaries and disaster management experts, will interact with delegates during a formal dinner scheduled for June 4.
"The exchange of ideas and experiences among participating countries will further strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience. Odisha will benefit from these interactions, while delegates will gain valuable insights from the state's proven disaster management model," Pujari said.
