Puri, June 3: Odisha has once again captured global attention, this time as the host of a major international conference on disaster resilience. Delegates from 11 BRICS member nations have gathered in Puri for the Second Technical Meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, positioning the coastal city at the heart of global discussions on disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
The three-day conference, being held from June 3 to 5 under India's BRICS Presidency, is among the most significant international events ever hosted by Odisha. Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia are participating in the deliberations aimed at strengthening cooperation in disaster risk reduction and management.
For Odisha, the event carries special significance. Over the past two decades, the state has earned widespread acclaim for its remarkable transformation from a disaster-prone region to a model of disaster preparedness. Through robust early warning systems, large-scale evacuation strategies and community-based preparedness programmes, Odisha has successfully minimised loss of life during major cyclones and natural calamities.
The BRICS meeting offers the state a unique opportunity to showcase its globally recognised disaster management framework before an international audience of policymakers, experts and disaster-management professionals.
The conference is also notable for being the first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group under India's 2026 chairmanship. Discussions are expected to focus on strengthening collaboration among member nations in disaster prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Key themes on the agenda include disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, sustainable disaster-risk financing, anticipatory response mechanisms and the use of advanced technologies to mitigate disaster impacts. Experts are expected to exchange best practices and identify collaborative strategies to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather events.
With high-level international participation, security arrangements across Puri have been significantly intensified. The conference venue and surrounding areas have been brought under extensive CCTV surveillance, while additional police personnel have been deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
Authorities have also tightened security at the iconic Konark Sun Temple, where members of the BRICS delegation are scheduled to visit during their stay in Odisha. Special arrangements have been made to facilitate the movement and safety of visiting dignitaries.
The successful hosting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction meeting marks a milestone for Odisha, highlighting the state's growing stature on the global stage. The extensive preparations undertaken by the district administration and law-enforcement agencies reflect Odisha's capability to host high-profile international events with efficiency and professionalism.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe across the world, the Puri conference is expected to contribute significantly to international cooperation among emerging economies. The deliberations are likely to pave the way for stronger partnerships, knowledge-sharing and innovative solutions aimed at building safer, more resilient and disaster-ready societies.
For Odisha, the gathering is more than just a diplomatic event—it is a recognition of the state's hard-earned reputation as a leader in disaster management and resilience-building, a model that many nations are now looking to emulate.
