Focus on enhancing scientific innovation to prevent disasters at World Summit at Graphic Era University
Focus on enhancing scientific innovation to prevent disasters at World Summit at Graphic Era University
Dehradun, Dec 1
A collective resolve was made to strengthen the disaster-safety ecosystem and promote scientific innovation through unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility at the World Disaster Management Summit 2025. In the closing ceremony, Uttarakand Governor (Retd. Lieutenant General) Gurmit Singh called upon everyone to accept every disaster as a lesson to minimise disaster risks.
Addressing the three-day summit as the Chief Guest at Graphic Era Deemed University, Governor Gurmit Singh said that this is not just a summit—it is a movement, a revolution. Everyone needs to take part in it. A revolution is needed to deal with disasters. Every disaster carries an opportunity. We must learn from it and take the right actions accordingly. We must work together with shared responsibility. Investing in prevention is better than spending on cure. With the right use of science, technology, and artificial intelligence, these challenges can be handled effectively.
He said that the Himalayas teach us that the ones who stand tall are the ones who are stable, balanced, and patient—disaster management must be the same. During COVID, when people struggled for oxygen, we understood that we were not taking care of the earth properly.
The Chief Guest said that Uttarakhand is the centre of natural resources—here lie the Himalayas, the Ganga, the Yamuna. Therefore, the people of Uttarakhand have the greatest responsibility to protect nature and safeguard resources. Everyone present in the summit is a brand ambassador of disaster management; everyone must spread awareness about disaster-preparedness and nature conservation.
He said that the first word in Guru Granth Sahib is “Ik”—One. All of us must work as one for disaster prevention. We live on one earth, we are one family, and our future is also one.
The Governor praised the contribution of Graphic Era Group of Institutions Chairman Dr. Kamal Ghanshala and said that the words “T H E” should come before his name—T for Technology, H for Health & Hospital, and E for Education—because he has done remarkable work in all three fields.
Calling the Silver Jubilee Convention Centre very fortunate, he said that its first programme was on disaster management, and on the same day, the rescue of 41 trapped workers in the Silkyara Tunnel succeeded.
As Special Guest, environmentalist Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi said that global warming is not just warming—it is a warning. The disasters we face are the result of how we have treated nature. The recent floods prove that disasters can strike anywhere, and no place is completely safe. To stop disasters, everyone must contribute. We must learn from our past experiences and create plans that include everyone’s participation.
NDMA Member & HOD Mr. Rajendra Singh said that India is among the countries most at risk of disasters, and to address this, strong infrastructure, planning, and community engagement are essential.
The main architect of World Summit 2025 and Director General of UCOST, Dr. Durgesh Pant, highlighted the importance of participation from scientists, experts, researchers, diplomats, and policymakers from over 50 countries. Dr. Pant said that the time has come to talk not just about post-disaster actions, but pre-disaster preparedness. Those who live in the Himalayas must talk about the Himalayas. Science, technology, and AI have a vital role in pre-disaster planning.
Graphic Era Group of Institutions Chairman Dr. Kamal Ghanshala said that it is essential to learn from disasters. Communication is extremely important to reduce losses. He also expressed gratitude. The session was moderated by Dr. M. P. Singh.
Director General Dr. Pant and Chairman Dr. Ghanshala presented mementos to the guests. The Chief Guest awarded trophies to the Premier League winners—teams from Pauri, Champawat, and Rudraprayag. Organising Secretary Mr. Prahlad Adhikari and UCOST Joint Director Dr. D. P. Uniyal were also present on stage.
A book on Uttarakhand’s water sources was released during the ceremony, authored by UCOST Director General Dr. Durgesh Pant as the Chief Editor.
The Dehradun Statement 2025 of the World Summit on Disaster Management reaffirmed collective commitment to work for a safer, stronger, and more sustainable world by preventing disasters. It emphasised strengthening the ecosystem for disaster safety through unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility, and enhancing scientific innovation. The declaration stated that global partnerships will be expanded to build a future where no community remains vulnerable to disasters.
Earlier in the morning, in a session on collective cooperation in disaster management, Uttarakhand Police Additional Director General Mr. Abhinav Kumar, SETU Nigam Vice Chairman Mr. Raj Shekhar Joshi, NDMA Lead Consultant Major General Sudhir Bahl, and India Foundation’s Mr. Shastav Singh discussed challenges such as communication, crowd management, and ground realities.
Another session on safety of elderly and persons with disabilities during disasters featured views from Support Trust for the Blind’s Mr. K. R. Rajendra, Mr. Shivram Deshpande, expert Mr. Muthuraj, and Himalaya Adventure Institute’s Mrs. Sushila Chamoli.
