UNISDR recently announced 21 new members as the Science and Technology Advisory Group (STAG) representing institutions and organizations, geographic regions, types of hazards, DRR disciplines, and stakeholders. IRDR ex-Executive Director Prof. Rajib Shaw and ICoE-REaL coordinator Prof. Ailsa Holloway are the new STAG members, among others.

The purpose of the UNISDR Scientific and Technical Advisory Group is to provide substantive technical advice and support in the formulation and implementation of activities carried out by the broad UNISDR community. The STAG was formed in 2012, succeeding the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC). The members of STAG are drawn from across the globe and from different scientific disciplines; the current members are listed here.

Prof. Rajib Shaw now is a professor of Keio University in Japan and he is also the co-chair of UNISDR Asia Science Technology Academic Advisory Group. Professor Ailsa Holloway is the Director, Research Alliance for Disaster and Risk Reduction (RADAR), Stellenbosch University, South Africa, and the key coordinator of ICoE REaL. Among other members are Ms. Antonia Yulo Loyzaga of Manila Observatory and Dr. Helene Jacot Des Combes from University of South Pacific, who have been IRDR’s focal person for developing science technology plan for disaster risk reduction in the Philippines and Pacific region respectively.