Friday, 01 August 2025
EVENT TITLE: PLANADES and UP SURP Join Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI) Leaders at the 7th GADRI Summit, Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.
The Planning and Development Research Foundation (PLANADES), represented by its President, Dr. Mark Anthony Morales, and Executive Director, Dr. Tabassam Raza, together with faculty members from the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning (UP SURP) led by Dean Dina C. Magnaye, participated as a member organization in the 7th Global Summit of the Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI). The summit was held at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, from July 21 to 23, 2025.
The event was organized by the Center for Risk Based Community Resilience Planning, Disaster Prevention Institute of Kyoto University and GADRI. The summit brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world to address the disproportionate impacts of disasters on vulnerable populations and to promote equitable, science-based solutions for resilience.
Various participants from the 7th Global Summit of GADRI: Convergence for Disaster Resilience.
This year’s theme, “Convergence for Disaster Resilience,” was examined comprehensively, highlighting the urgent need to bridge gaps across disciplines, sectors, institutions, and national boundaries. The concept of convergence underscores the importance of collaboration among urban planners, environmental scientists, emergency responders, policymakers, private sector actors, and local communities.
The most recent summit showcased broader geographic representation, stronger youth engagement, and deeper involvement of frontline communities. This expansion signals a growing global recognition that resilience-building must be inclusive, participatory, and locally grounded while informed by global best practices.
Left - President Dr. Mark Anthony Morales discussing a Development and Application Tool towards assessing the feasibility of Permeable Pavement(PP): A Significant Flood Management Strategy as part of the presentation of the team.Right – Dr. Muhammad Amad of PLANADES America, together with Dr. Mark Anthony Morales, Dean Dina C. Magnaye and Dr. Tabassam Raza.
PLANADES Executive Director Dr. Tabassam Raza actively participated in Panel Discussion I titled “Progress and Challenges of the Sendai Framework in Several and More Countries”. The session brought together international experts, researchers, and policymakers to assess how countries are advancing the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and to examine the persistent gaps that remain.
2nd from Left - PLANADES Executive Director, Dr. Tabassam Raza was part of the Panel Discussion on Progress and Challenges for the final year of Sendai Framework in several or more countries.
Dr. Raza highlighted the varying levels of progress among countries in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) into national and local development planning. He emphasized that while significant strides have been made in improving early warning systems, institutional coordination, and risk awareness, many nations still face challenges related to limited financing, fragmented governance structures, data gaps, and the integration of risk-informed planning at the local level.
Drawing from PLANADES’ experience in capacity building and research, Dr. Raza underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the localization of global frameworks. He noted that the effective implementation of the Sendai Framework requires stronger convergence between academia, government agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Furthermore, he stressed that disaster resilience must be embedded in land use planning, infrastructure development, and climate adaptation strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
From Left –Prof. Kaushal Keraminiyage, Dr. Muhammad Amad from PLANADES America, UP SURP Dean Dina C. Magnaye, PLANADES Executive Director Dr. Tabassam Raza, and other participant of the 7th Global Summit of GADRI.
PLANADES and UP SURP proudly expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation for the successful conduct of the 7th Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI) Summit. The summit served as a dynamic and meaningful platform that brought together distinguished experts, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and development partners from across the globe to advance collaborative efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience building.
Closing Photo Ceremony of the 7th Global Summit of GADRI
PLANADES commends the organizers, host institutions, partners, and volunteers whose dedication, meticulous planning, and commitment ensured the smooth and impactful delivery of the event. The summit not only facilitated rich academic and policy discussions but also strengthened networks among institutions working toward safer and more sustainable communities. The exchange of innovative research, best practices, and forward-looking strategies reaffirmed the global community’s shared responsibility to address emerging risks and climate-related challenges.
Source:https://gadri.net/events/2025/07/7th-global-summit-of-gadri-convering-disaster-research-and-stakeholder-engagement-for-resilience.html | Source: https://www.surp.upd.edu.ph/event.html