The MHEW 2020 is an event that promotes the availability and application of research, science and technology to support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2020.

This year’s symposium will be a virtual conference hosted from Colombo, Sri Lanka, from December 14 to 16, 2020.

The event was initially planned for 16th to 18th March 2020 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, the organizers opted for an online symposium.

The event is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, Disaster Management Centre, Sri Lanka, and Global Disaster Resilience Centre, University of Huddersfield, UK, with several other partner universities, partner UN agencies, JICA, ADPC and other partner agencies.

Climate change is altering the frequency and intensity of natural events. Impacts from tsunamis, cyclones, flooding, and other significant natural hazards and events revealed inadequate preparation and response to emergencies, contributing to widespread loss and damage to life, livelihood, and property.

Awareness of these vulnerabilities has pushed calls to strengthen risk assessment and mitigation, community awareness and preparedness, and multi-hazard early warning systems.

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasizes a holistic approach to early warning systems and for risk tailored to users across sectors – this will also help mainstream disaster risk reduction and support the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The 3-day symposium’s special features include:

Experts and practitioners from various fields and institutions as Keynote speakers.
Align with global frameworks on DRR, sustainable development, and climate change
Understand key challenges in Sri Lanka and globally, including pandemics such as COVID-19
Capture state-of-the-art developments and recommendations for policy

Two thematic sessions in the symposium will discuss the following important and timely issues:

Session 1 – on integrating epidemic and pandemic preparedness into disaster risk reduction. Universities of Huddersfield, Moratuwa and Colombo

Session 2 – Nature-Based Solutions (NBs) for a Resilient Future. ADPC

There will also be several technical sessions where 160 papers will be presented.