The virtual launch of the 2025 update to the UNDRR–ISC Hazard Information Profiles (HIPs) was held on 18 August 2025. The HIPs provide a comprehensive, science-based overview of 281 hazards, from floods and wildfires to pandemics and cyber threats, serving as an essential resource for disaster risk reduction worldwide.
The 2025 edition marks a major shift toward a multi-hazard understanding of risk, recognizing that hazards often interact, cascade, or occur simultaneously, intensifying their impacts. Developed with input from over 330 experts across more than 150 organizations, the HIPs are a trusted reference for governments, agencies, researchers, and practitioners.
The launch featured highlights on how the HIPs support early warning systems, risk analytics, and disaster preparedness, emphasizing how standardised hazard information enables science-informed decision-making.
Speakers included Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR); Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council (ISC); Virginia Murray, Chair of the ISC Steering Group for the ‘Review of Hazards Definition and Classification’ project; Ko Barrett, Deputy Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization; Andrea Hinwood, Chief Scientist at UNEP; and Fleur Wouterse, Deputy Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience.
The event underscored the vital role of science-driven hazard information in building a safer, more resilient world amid increasingly complex and interconnected risks. Experts highlight critical need for multi-hazard approach as 2025 HIPs release sets new standard for disaster risk reduction.
The IRDR community played a significant role in shaping this landmark update. Contributions came from leading experts including IRDR Fellows Prof. Virginia Murray, Dr. Bapon SHM Fakhruddin, and others who provided specialist input across multiple hazard domains. Their work reflects IRDR’s long-standing commitment to advancing integrated, science-based risk knowledge for global policy and practice.
The complete Hazard Information Profiles (2025 Edition) is now available for download: https://www.irdrinternational.org/knowledge_pool/publications/133
