The Avoidable Deaths Network is excited to announce its participation in the 2025 UNOCHA Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW), where it will host three online sessions and two in-person events featuring selected experts and outstanding speakers. These sessions will take place from 17 to 28 March 2025, focusing on key issues in disaster risk reduction and response.
Online Sessions
Land-Based Approaches to Address Human-Induced Disaster Adaptation
Description
This session explores how Indigenous land-based practices in Bangladesh and Ghana address climate vulnerabilities like deforestation and rising sea levels. It emphasizes integrating traditional ecological knowledge with global sustainability frameworks (SDGs 13, 15, and 10) to foster inclusive disaster adaptation strategies. Case studies highlight successes in mangrove reforestation and agroecology. Discussions will identify ways to amplify Indigenous voices in climate governance, aligning with UNESCO and IPCC priorities.
Date and Time
17 March 2025 / 08:00-09:30 UTC-7
Moderator
Dr. Ranjan Datta and Dr. John Acharibasam
Speakers
Dr. Ranjan Datta, Canada Research Chair in Community Disaster Research, Indigenous Studies, Department of Humanities, Mount Royal University, AB, Canada
Dr. Arifatul Kibria, Associate Professor American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Bangladesh.
Dr. John Acharibasam, Mount Royal University, Canada
Dr. Rajmoni Singha, Assistant Professor at the North South University, Dhaka Bangladesh Barsha Kairy, University of Regina, Canada
Registration
To register, please click here.
Impact of Climate-Related Disasters on Early Marriage and Reproductive Health in Bangladesh
Description
This session delves into how climate-related disasters like floods and cyclones exacerbate socio-economic vulnerabilities, increasing early marriage rates and disrupting reproductive health services. Case studies demonstrate interventions, such as mobile clinics and economic empowerment programs, that mitigate these issues and align with SDGs 3, 5, and 13. The session emphasizes integrating health and gender equity into climate adaptation strategies.
Date and Time
19 March 2025 / 16:00-17:00 UTC+6
Moderators
Dr Fariha Haseen and Professor Nibedita S. Ray-Bennet
Speakers
Dr. Fariha Haseen, Associate Professor of Public Health and Informatics, Department of Public Health and Informatics
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dr Elvina Mustary,Deputy Director, Reproductive Health Services Training and Education Program, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dr Te Klangboonkron, Project Coordinator, Avoidable Deaths Network, University of Leicester, UK.
Registration
To register, please click here.
Debate on the scope of social media during crisis communication
This session examines whether social media is an enabler or obstacle in crisis communication. It highlights its dual role in spreading misinformation while enabling two-way engagement to strengthen community resilience. The discussion aligns with the Sendai Framework’s goals to reduce disaster mortality and impact by 2030. Key questions include how leaders can tackle misinformation and effectively use social media during crises.
Date and Time
21 March 2025 / 09:00-10:00 UTC-5
Chair
Mr Asad Tahir
Speakers
Dr Paul Reilly, Sr lecturer in Communications, Media and Democracy, University of Glasgow, UK
Dr Jamie Wardman, Associate Professor in Risk Management, University of Leicester, UK
Dr Christian Morgner, Sr Lecturer in Cultural and Creative Industries, Sheffield University, UK
Registration
To register, please click here.
In-person sessions
Why do so many people die in disasters and how can we reduce them?
Description
This session delves into the causes and circumstances of avoidable and indirect disaster deaths, focusing on strategies to reduce disaster mortality. Participants will explore actions before, during, and after disasters to prevent deaths and integrate solutions into the disaster risk management cycle, aligning with Sendai Framework Targets A and B and contributing to SDGs 11, 13, and 17.
Date and Time
24 Mar 2025 / 11:00-12:30 UTC+1 (Salle 16)
Chairs
Professor Alois Hirschmugl and Professor Nibedita Ray-Bennett
Technical Speakers
Dr Winifred Ekezie, Co-Director of Centre for Health and Society, Aston University, UK
Dr Albrecht Beck, Director of Prepared International, Germany
Professor Nibedita S. Ray-Bennett, Professor of Risk Management, Founding President of ADN, University of Leicester, UK.
Dr Stephen Samuel, Sr. Vice President of Clinical Medicince, Ophirex Inc., USA
Professor Alois Hirschmugl,Technical Director of DMAT Consulting KG, Austria
Registration
To register, please click here.
Anticipatory Action to avoid deaths in urban areas
Description
This session examines the role of anticipatory action, early warning, and preparedness in reducing disaster deaths in urban areas. It will explore key challenges such as infrastructure failures, technological risks, and urban-specific vulnerabilities, while addressing gaps in current approaches. Experts will share insights on inclusive strategies, climate adaptation, and response methodologies for High-Impact, Low-Probability (HILP) events, aiming to make cities safer and more resilient.
Date and Time
26 Mar 2025 / 16:00-17:30 UTC+1 (Salle 12)
Speakers
Prof. Alois Hirschmugl (Hum. Advisor, Austria & Technical Director, D.M.A.T. Consulting KG)
Luca Rossi (Senior Coordinator, Early Warning for All – UNDRR)
Maria Jose Catala Verdet (Mayor of Valencia, Spain (tbc.))
Malte Schönefeld (Municipalities Crisis Resilience – State of Northrhine-Westfalia, Germany) N.N. Global Alliance for Urban Crises (tbc)
M. Maruf Yaman (Director of International Relations, AFAD – Türkiye)
Prof. Jörg Szarzynski (Head, United Nations Global Mountain Safeguard (GLOMOS) and Professor, United Nations University UNU)
Dr. Albrecht Beck (Director, Prepared International (PPI))
Registration
To registere, please click here.