NEW DELHI, India — BRICS member states have adopted a Joint Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction, committing to deepen cooperation in disaster preparedness, strengthen early warning systems and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure as part of efforts to address growing climate and natural disaster risks.
The declaration was adopted during the Third Meeting of BRICS Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Reduction held in New Delhi under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairship, according to the Government of India’s Press Information Bureau (PIB).
The meeting was chaired by India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, who underscored the importance of disaster prevention and resilience in advancing sustainable development and safeguarding communities.
“Preventing and mitigating the impact of natural disasters are essential for sustainable development, climate change adaptation and ensuring public safety,” Rai said.
The ministers agreed to expand collaboration across several priority areas, including scientific research, technological innovation, financing mechanisms and knowledge-sharing to strengthen disaster risk management among BRICS countries.
A key outcome of the meeting was renewed commitment to implementing the BRICS Work Plan for 2025–2028, which outlines cooperation on disaster risk reduction through enhanced scientific collaboration, resilient infrastructure development and stronger community preparedness.
The member states also pledged to improve early warning systems for emergencies, strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and local communities, and expand the exchange of expertise, best practices and technical knowledge.
Delegates further discussed strategies to promote climate-resilient infrastructure, innovative technologies and sustainable financing models capable of reducing the impact of increasingly frequent climate-related disasters.
As part of India’s BRICS Chairship, six analytical and methodological publications were unveiled to support evidence-based policymaking, strengthen specialised disaster management institutions and enhance the disaster risk reduction capacity of BRICS countries.
The publications are expected to provide technical guidance for governments and policymakers in designing more resilient disaster preparedness and response systems.
Beyond policy commitments, ministers agreed to expand practical cooperation through joint projects, simulation exercises, professional training programmes, expert exchanges and regular thematic consultations aimed at improving collective preparedness for natural and climate-induced disasters.
The initiatives are intended to strengthen institutional capacity and improve coordinated responses to emergencies affecting BRICS member states.
The meeting brought together ministers and senior delegations from BRICS countries as part of India’s presidency of the grouping in 2026, reinforcing the bloc’s growing emphasis on cooperation in disaster resilience amid increasing global climate challenges.
