Deakin University, Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management Ink MoU For Research And Innovation

Experts from Deakin University and India participated in the 'Resilient Communities, Stronger Nations: An India-Australia Collaborative Approach to Disaster Management' roundtable and discussed leadership development, technology integration, and policy innovation in disaster resilience.

Deakin University has collaborated with the Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) for advancing innovation, research and capacity-building in disaster resilience.

Deakin has spearheaded two major initiatives in India, the MoU signing with GIDM was one of the two initiatives, and another one was the Australian High Commission (AHC) in India and Deakin's Centre for Humanitarian Leadership (CHL) hosted a high-level roundtable 'Resilient Communities, Stronger Nations: An India-Australia Collaborative Approach to Disaster Management.'

At this roundtable, policymakers and experts underscored the requirement for technology integration, policy innovation and leadership development in disaster resilience. The roundtable discussion conceptualized the India-Australia Centre of Excellence for Disaster Management. It will serve as the hub for capacity building, research-driven solutions, and policy advisory and improve cooperation in local knowledge, integrating scientific expertise, disaster preparedness, and real-world application.

Deakin University, GIDM Collaboration: More Details

Sanjeev Kumar Jindal, Additional Secretary (DM), Ministry of Home Affairs, commented, "India has placed disaster resilience at the forefront of its policy agenda, recognising that proactive preparedness, risk reduction, and technological innovation are critical to safeguarding lives and livelihoods. Our collaboration with global partners like Australia will enhance our capabilities and we look forward to critical insights and solutions to mitigate disaster risks," as reported by PR News Wire.

Rajendra Ratnoo, Executive Director, National Institute of Disaster Management said, "India and Australia share a vision for building disaster-resilient communities through knowledge exchange, and capacity building. This collaboration marks a significant step towards integrating global best practices with local expertise to enhance disaster preparedness and response. We deeply appreciate Deakin University's leadership in bringing together key stakeholders to drive impactful solutions in disaster management."

Ambassador Nick McCaffrey, Deputy Head of Mission, AHC said, "Australia is seeking to reduce systemic risk and strengthen community resilience in the face of the increasing number of disasters. Collaboration with close partner countries like India will be critical in this mission."

Corroborating this, Steve Biddle, Home Affairs Minister-Counsellor, AHC, said, "The Australian Government recognises that disaster resilience is critical to Australia's continued wellbeing and prosperity, and that disaster resilience diminishes as disaster risk, and the potential impacts, grows. The Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience estimates that for every one dollar invested in resilience before a disaster, we can save between $3 and $8 in recovery."

"This partnership will drive impactful research, innovation, and leadership in disaster resilience and risk management. Disaster resilience is a global priority, and strong collaborations like this are key to fostering long-term solutions," said Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University.

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