The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), an institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), actively participated in the S20 2026 process and endorsed the Joint S20 Statement, released by the science academies of the G20 countries, on November 10, 2026, under the leadership of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS), as part of the Science20 (S20) engagement process.
Through its endorsement of the Joint Statement, which highlights opportunities for governments to harness advanced technologies to strengthen preparedness and response to natural hazards and disasters, INSA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting science-based approaches to address global challenges.
The Statement, developed through consultations and contributions from science academies across G20 nations, is intended to inform discussions within their respective governments. It will also be presented to the G20 ahead of the G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Miami, Florida, in December 2026.
Natural hazards such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat and cold events are increasingly posing significant challenges to populations, ecosystems and economies. The Statement highlights the potential of emerging technologies, including Earth observation, remote sensing, early warning systems, digital twins, drone technologies and artificial intelligence, to improve decision-making and strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience.
It also recognises that the effective application of these technologies depends on addressing gaps in data availability, infrastructure, technical capacity and institutional coordination, while ensuring equitable access and readiness for deployment.
The Joint S20 Statement identifies five key areas for action. These include strengthening data collection and understanding of risk, enabling safe, secure and equitable access to data and technology, building local skills and capacity and designing context-specific solutions, strengthening human decision-making and governance, and advancing international and cross-sector collaboration.
The Statement underscores that technology should enhance, rather than replace, human expertise and that effective disaster resilience requires locally relevant solutions supported by strong scientific collaboration and institutional partnerships.
As India’s national science academy, INSA will endeavour to bring the recommendations of the Statement to the attention of relevant national stakeholders and facilitate engagement among scientific experts, research institutions and government agencies. Through its national and international networks, INSA will continue to encourage interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange and collaboration in areas relevant to disaster preparedness and resilience.
The S20 2026 process has provided an important platform for science academies across G20 nations to exchange perspectives and contribute collectively to addressing a shared global challenge. INSA looks forward to continuing this engagement under the leadership of the Royal Society in 2027.
KEY AREAS OF ACTION
Strengthening data collection and understanding of risk: Improving observation systems and the availability of reliable data on hazards, exposure and vulnerability to support preparedness, response and recovery.
Enabling safe, secure and equitable access to data and technology: Promoting data sharing, common standards, interoperability and resilient systems, while respecting national responsibilities for data governance, safety, security and privacy.
Building local skills and capacity and designing context-specific solutions: Investing in education, workforce development, training and community engagement to ensure that technologies are adapted to local needs and can be effectively sustained.
Strengthening human decision-making and governance: Ensuring that advanced technologies complement human expertise through appropriate oversight, local validation, transparency, accountability and effective communication of risks.
Advancing international and cross-sector collaboration: Encouraging sustained partnerships among governments, academia, industry, civil society, communities and international organisations, with an emphasis on co-producing knowledge and technology.
