Event: UNESCO–South Africa Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction
Time: 10:00–13:00 (SAST)
Format: Online (MS Teams)
Programme Director: Dr. Phil Mjwara, Permanent Representative of South Africa to UNESCO
Overview
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in partnership with UNESCO, will host the UNESCO–South Africa Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on 4 August 2026 from 10:00 to 13:00 (SAST). The online workshop will bring together policymakers, scientists, disaster risk reduction practitioners, regional organizations, academic institutions and international partners to discuss science- and technology-driven approaches to strengthening disaster resilience.
The event will provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and enhancing collaboration on disaster risk reduction at the national, regional and international levels.
Background
Disaster risk reduction (DRR) has become a global priority as countries face increasingly frequent and complex natural and human-induced hazards driven by climate change, environmental degradation, urbanization and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Effective DRR requires a proactive, science-based and inclusive approach that strengthens preparedness, enhances resilience and reduces the impacts of disasters on people, infrastructure, livelihoods and ecosystems.
The workshop recognizes the importance of collaboration between governments, scientific communities, international organizations and local stakeholders to ensure that scientific knowledge, innovation and technology contribute to evidence-based policies and practical solutions for disaster risk reduction.
The event also builds upon several international and regional frameworks and initiatives, including:
- the G20 Ministerial Declaration (2025) under South Africa's presidency;
- the High-Level Voluntary Principles for Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction endorsed by the G20 DRR Working Group;
- the SADC Disaster Risk Management Strategy and Action Plan 2022–2030; and
- the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
These initiatives encourage countries to strengthen investment in disaster risk reduction and integrate DRR into national planning, budgeting and development policies.
Purpose
The workshop aims to:
- strengthen the understanding of disaster risk reduction by promoting the application of science, technology and innovation (ST&I) and evidence-based approaches to disaster preparedness, prevention, response and recovery;
- facilitate knowledge exchange and the sharing of best practices for reducing disaster risks;
- enhance collaboration and partnerships between South Africa, UNESCO, regional institutions, academia and other stakeholders to advance integrated and coordinated approaches to disaster risk reduction; and
- identify opportunities for strengthening national and regional disaster risk reduction capacities, including the use of emerging technologies, early warning systems, data management and community-based resilience initiatives.
Participating Organizations
The programme brings together experts from a wide range of national, regional and international organizations, including:
- UNESCO
- Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), South Africa
- Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
- South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
- South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
- United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) / UN-SPIDER
UN-SPIDER Contribution
UNOOSA, through UN-SPIDER, will deliver a presentation highlighting its technical advisory support and capacity development activities to strengthen disaster risk reduction across Africa. The presentation will be delivered by Dr. Joerg Szarzynski, Officer in Charge of the UN-SPIDER Bonn Office.
