INSA Endorses G20 Science Statement on AI, Technology and Global Disaster Preparedness
New Delhi, Nov 12: Strengthening global disaster preparedness through scientific innovation, advanced technologies and international cooperation has emerged as a key priority for the G20 science community, with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) endorsing the Joint Statement issued under the Science20 (S20) 2026 engagement process.
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INSA, an institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), actively participated in the S20 process and endorsed the statement released on November 10, 2026, by science academies of G20 countries under the leadership of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
The joint initiative seeks to encourage governments to make greater use of emerging technologies and scientific knowledge to strengthen preparedness, improve disaster response and build resilience against natural hazards. The endorsement also reflects India’s commitment to advancing science-based solutions to increasingly complex global challenges.
Technology emerges as a key tool in disaster management
From extreme rainfall, earthquakes and prolonged droughts to wildfires and extreme temperature events, natural hazards are placing growing pressure on communities, ecosystems and economies worldwide.
Recognising these challenges, the Joint S20 Statement highlights the transformative potential of technologies such as Earth observation, remote sensing, early warning systems, digital twins, drones and artificial intelligence (AI).
These tools can improve hazard monitoring, strengthen risk assessment, support timely decision-making and help authorities prepare more effectively for emergencies. Their application can also enhance coordination among disaster management agencies and support more informed responses at local and national levels.
However, the statement cautions that technological advancement alone cannot guarantee effective disaster resilience. Gaps in data availability, infrastructure, technical expertise and institutional coordination must also be addressed. Ensuring equitable access to technology and building the capacity to deploy it effectively are equally important.
Five priority areas identified for global action
The Joint S20 Statement outlines five major areas requiring coordinated international attention:
Better data collection and risk assessment: Strengthening observation systems and improving the availability of reliable information on natural hazards, exposure and vulnerability to support preparedness, emergency response and recovery.
Equitable access to data and technology: Encouraging secure data sharing, common standards and interoperable systems while safeguarding privacy, security and national responsibilities for data governance.
Local capacity-building and tailored solutions: Investing in education, professional training, workforce development and community engagement to ensure that technological solutions address local requirements and remain sustainable.
Human-centred decision-making and governance: Ensuring that advanced technologies complement human expertise through transparency, accountability, appropriate oversight and effective risk communication.
International and cross-sector cooperation: Strengthening partnerships among governments, research institutions, industries, civil society, local communities and international organisations to promote knowledge-sharing and collaborative innovation.
A key principle highlighted in the statement is that technology must support rather than replace human judgement. Effective disaster management, it emphasises, depends on combining scientific capabilities with local knowledge, institutional accountability and informed decision-making.
INSA to take recommendations to national stakeholders
Following its endorsement, INSA will work towards bringing the recommendations of the Joint Statement to the attention of relevant national stakeholders. The academy also plans to facilitate greater interaction among scientific experts, research institutions and government agencies working in disaster preparedness and resilience.
Through its national and international networks, INSA aims to encourage interdisciplinary research, scientific cooperation and knowledge exchange in areas related to disaster risk reduction.
The recommendations are intended to inform discussions within the respective governments of G20 member countries and will also be presented to the G20 ahead of its December 2026 Summit in Miami, Florida.
S20 cooperation to continue in 2027
The S20 2026 engagement process has provided an important platform for science academies across G20 nations to exchange expertise and develop collective recommendations on shared global challenges.
INSA has expressed its intention to continue participating in this international scientific engagement, which will come under the leadership of the Royal Society in 2027.
The latest endorsement reinforces the growing importance of scientific diplomacy in addressing global risks. As climate-related and other natural hazards demand increasingly coordinated responses, the G20 science academies are seeking to place research, technological innovation and international collaboration at the heart of disaster preparedness and resilience.