Puri has taken centre stage in global discussions on disaster resilience as delegates from 11 BRICS member nations gather in Odisha for the Second Technical Meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group. The three-day conference, being held from June 3 to June 5, is one of the most significant international events hosted by the state and highlights Odisha’s growing reputation as a global model in disaster management.
Representatives from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia are participating in the meeting under India’s BRICS Presidency. The event aims to strengthen cooperation among member countries in addressing natural disasters, climate-related risks, and emerging challenges to sustainable development.
The conference agenda includes discussions on disaster preparedness, risk reduction strategies, resilient infrastructure, disaster-risk financing, anticipatory action mechanisms, and the application of advanced technologies in disaster management. Experts, policymakers, and disaster management professionals are expected to exchange knowledge and best practices to improve resilience against increasingly frequent and severe weather events worldwide.
Odisha’s selection as the host state carries special significance. Over the past two decades, the state has earned national and international recognition for its effective disaster management framework, particularly in handling cyclones through robust early warning systems, large-scale evacuations, community participation, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms. The meeting provides a valuable platform for Odisha to showcase its successful disaster resilience model before an international audience.
The event also marks the first in-person technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group under India’s 2026 chairmanship. Deliberations during the conference are expected to contribute to stronger cooperation among member nations in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Given the presence of high-level international delegates, extensive security arrangements have been put in place across Puri. Authorities have deployed additional police personnel, strengthened surveillance through comprehensive CCTV monitoring, and implemented strict security protocols around the conference venue and key locations in the city.
Security has also been enhanced at the historic Konark Sun Temple, where members of the BRICS delegation are scheduled to visit during their stay in Odisha. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth movement and safety of visiting delegates.
For Odisha, hosting the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction meeting represents a landmark achievement and reinforces the state’s capability to host high-profile international events. The conference is expected to further strengthen Odisha’s global standing in disaster management while contributing to international efforts aimed at building safer, more resilient, and disaster-ready societies.
