Overview
The second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group begins in Puri, Odisha, on June 3, 2026. Representatives from 11 countries will discuss sustainable financing, resilient infrastructure, and early warning systems. Odisha was chosen as the host for its globally recognised disaster management model.
A Global Dialogue in the Temple City
For three days starting June 3, 2026, the serene beaches of Puri will witness intense diplomatic and technical discussions. This is not a routine conference; it is the second technical meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group. Hosted by Odisha, the event signifies a crucial step in international cooperation. With climate change intensifying natural hazards, from super-cyclones to devastating floods, nations are realising that disaster management is a shared global challenge that requires collective expertise.
Why Odisha? The Perfect Classroom for Disaster Management
The choice of Odisha as the venue is highly symbolic. The state is no stranger to nature's fury—from the 1999 Super Cyclone to Cyclone Fani and other devastating storms. However, over the last two decades, Odisha has transformed its narrative from being a vulnerable victim to a global model of resilience. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari highlighted that the state was selected due to its "globally recognised milestones in disaster preparedness, effective cyclone management, and early warning systems". Its "zero casualty" policy during cyclones, backed by robust evacuation drills and community participation, offers a practical blueprint for other developing nations.
The Bigger Picture: BRICS in 2026
This meeting is a key pillar of India's ongoing chairship of BRICS in 2026. India’s agenda for the bloc is built on the theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability" . The BRICS constellation now includes not only the founding five—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—but also new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, which joined in 2025. Together, these 11 nations represent nearly half of the world's population and about 40% of the global GDP, making their consensus on DRR strategies globally impactful.
The Agenda: From Financing to Traditional Wisdom
The technical sessions in Puri are designed to move beyond rhetoric into actionable strategy. The deliberations are focusing on four critical pillars of modern disaster management.
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Sustainable DRR Financing and Early Warning Systems: A key focus is on multi-hazard early warning systems, which have proven to be the most cost-effective life-saving tools. Additionally, sessions will explore sustainable financing models and innovative funding mechanisms to ensure that disaster risk reduction is a long-term investment, not just an emergency expense.
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Resilient Infrastructure and Forecast-Based Action: The delegates are also examining how to climate-proof infrastructure to withstand shocks and implementing forecast-based action, which allows for pre-emptive measures before a disaster strikes, saving more lives than reactive responses.
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Indigenous Knowledge in Risk Reduction: A unique feature of the agenda is the focus on integrating traditional knowledge and nature-based solutions into resilience strategies. As Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari noted, the discussions will blend modern science with local wisdom to create culturally appropriate risk management frameworks.
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Community Engagement and Knowledge Exchange: The meeting also emphasises grassroots involvement. Delegates will participate in a field visit to Ramachandi to witness a boat rescue demonstration and tour cyclone shelters. These exchanges are designed to foster peer-to-peer learning and strengthen international cooperation.
Schedule and Key Participants
The proceedings began with side events on June 3, covering topics like disaster financing and technological innovation, before moving into the core sessions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the main event on June 4 as the chief guest. The meetings are being attended by high-level delegations from all 11 countries, along with policymakers and disaster management experts from the Indian government and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). A study visit and a formal dinner have been organised to facilitate networking and experience-sharing.
Conclusion
The BRICS DRR meeting in Puri is more than just a diplomatic formality; it is a convergence of expertise. By hosting this event, India is showcasing the progress of its own eastern state while leading a global coalition toward a more resilient world. As climate uncertainties grow, the strategies finalised here—from financing mechanisms to the revival of traditional knowledge—will likely shape the safety of millions across three continents in the years to come.
Exam-Focused Points
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Event: Second Technical Meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group.
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Dates: June 3 to June 5, 2026.
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Venue: Taj Puri Resort, Puri, Odisha.
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Host Reason: Odisha’s globally recognised milestones in cyclone management, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness.
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Participants (11 Countries): Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia.
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BRICS Presidency: India 2026 (Theme: "Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability").
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Key Agenda Topics: Sustainable DRR financing, resilient infrastructure, anticipatory response/forecast-based action, and integrating traditional knowledge.
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Previous Meeting: First Technical Meeting was held virtually on April 29-30, 2026, chaired by India's NDMA.
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Inauguration: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on June 4, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why was Odisha chosen to host this international BRICS meeting?
A: Odisha was selected due to its globally recognised expertise in disaster preparedness, specifically its effective cyclone management, robust early warning systems, and the "zero casualty" approach it has perfected over two decades.
Q2: Which countries are participating in the Puri meeting besides the original BRICS members?
A: Apart from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, the new member nations attending are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia. This totals 11 countries.
Q3: What is the significance of this meeting being called the "first in-person technical meeting"?
A: While the BRICS DRR Working Group had a virtual meeting on April 29-30, 2026, the Puri event marks the first time the delegates are meeting physically. This allows for more in-depth technical exchanges, field visits, and direct collaboration compared to virtual sessions.
Q4: What are the main topics being discussed at the meeting?
A: The discussions focus on several key areas, including finding sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction, building climate-resilient infrastructure, implementing anticipatory (forecast-based) response systems, and integrating traditional knowledge into modern disaster strategies.
Q5: Is there any field visit planned as part of the technical meeting?
A: Yes. As part of the programme, delegates will take a study visit to cyclone shelters and disaster management facilities. Additionally, they will witness a boat rescue demonstration exercise at Ramachandi to see Odisha’s rescue capabilities firsthand.