In response to the devastating disasters that have struck communities across the globe in 2026 and the first quarter of the 21st century, Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR), an international scientific programme that aims to usher in an inclusive, safe and sustainable world by promoting a better understanding of disaster risk and the effective use of risk science in decision-making, has issued a new statement, "Advancing Science for Disaster Risk Reduction Towards 2030 and Beyond".
While average disaster-related mortality declined by 49% during 2014–2023 compared with 2005–2014, the number of people affected rose by 71% over the same period. Disasters in the first half of 2026 alone caused more than US$112 billion in economic losses—underscoring that vulnerability, exposure, and inequality remain the key drivers of disaster risk.
The statement expresses deep sympathy for the victims and sufferers of recent disasters and calls on the IRDR community to accelerate implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 through co-designed, integrated, and collaborative research. It emphasizes that no single sector can reduce risk alone, and urges action before disasters strike—through strengthened early warning systems, anticipatory financing, science-to-policy mechanisms, and the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and digital twins.
The full statement is available for download below. The IRDR community and all disaster risk reduction partners and stakeholders are encouraged to share it widely and translate its calls into action towards 2030 and beyond.
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IRDR Statement on "Advancing Science for Disaster Risk Reduction Towards 2030 and Beyond" (PDF, English, 0.1 MB)
