Prof. Saini Yang, IRDR's Executive Director, presents on possible areas of collaboration between IRDR and IFAW
On Tuesday, 22 September 2026, a delegation from IRDR's International Programme Office (IPO) led by Executive Director, Prof. Saini Yang, recently met with representatives from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) at IFAW's Beijing Raptor Rescue Center (BRRC) at Beijing Normal University to explore possible areas for collaboration between both organisations. The meeting commenced with Prof. Yang providing a comprehensive overview of IRDR's mission, highlighting its role in mobilising science for disaster risk reduction and development safety, and possible synergies at the intersection of disaster risk science, animal welfare, and sustainable development.
Aligning Strategies for a Resilient Future
The core of the discussion focused on identifying potential areas of cooperation between the two organizations. The dialogue was informed by IRDR's strategic frameworks, particularly the A Framework for Global Science in Support of Risk-informed Sustainable Development and Planetary Health.
Key areas of mutual interest emerged around the concept of One Health—an integrated approach that balances the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. IRDR's presentation highlighted the critical link between climate change, biodiversity loss, and health burdens, proposing the integration of One Health into wider public health approaches and digital risk interconnectivity.
"Disaster risk is increasingly complex and interconnected," said Prof. Yang. "By partnering with organisations like IFAW, we can bridge the gap between human-centric disaster management and the ecological and animal health dimensions that are often overlooked. This aligns perfectly with IRDR's mission to foster interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaboration."
Operational Synergies
The discussion also touched upon IRDR's ongoing work in multi-hazard impact-based early warning systems (MHIEWS) and the Forensic Investigations of Disasters (FORIN) methodology. These tools, which focus on root-cause analysis and resilient infrastructure, offer valuable frameworks for IFAW's work in animal rescue and conservation during climate-related disasters.
IFAW representatives, including Matthew Morley, Deputy Vice President of Global Programs, and Grace Ge Gabriel, Senior Advisor Asia Affairs, shared insights on their operational challenges and the need for science-based risk assessment in their field operations. The potential for joint pilot projects, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate extremes, was a significant point of discussion.
IFAW's representatives shared insights on their operational challenges and the need for science-based risk assessment in their field operations. The potential for joint pilot projects, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate extremes, was a significant point of discussion.
Moving Forward
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue the dialogue. Both parties agreed to explore specific collaborative projects that leverage IRDR's scientific network—including its network of International Centres of Excellence (ICoEs), with particular interest in Africa-based ICoEs—and IFAW's on-the-ground expertise in animal welfare and rescue, such as the Room to Roam initiative in Africa.
The meeting was attended by key representatives from both sides. IFAW was represented by:
Jason Bell, Executive Vice President;
Matthew Morley, Deputy Vice President of Global Programs;
Grace Ge Gabriel, Senior Advisor Asia Affairs;
Katie Moore, Senior Director of Animal Rescue; and
Jeff He, China Country Director.
Prof. Yang was accompanied by IRDR's Science Officer, Fang Lian, and Kerry-Ann Morris, Science and Communication Officer.
About IFAW
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases animals, and works to prevent animal cruelty and protect wildlife and habitats.
