A Framework for Global Science

Preface

In 2019, the International Science Council (ISC) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) invited the Integrated Research for Disaster Risk program (IRDR) to lead on the development of a global research agenda for risk-informed development to guide impactful international disaster risk research and its funding. Since then, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare the integrated nature of human development and planetary health, brought renewed urgency to tackling the underlying drivers of risks at different scales, and demonstrated the vital role of science in coping with and preventing future crises. This document takes stock of recent developments in disaster risk science and provides a compelling set of directions for research and scientific collaboration for a more holistic and collaborative approach to understanding and managing risks. It challenges silos in science and in society and the notion that social, ecological, economic and technological systems can be understood in isolation from one another, and advocates for an increased focus on people. The consultation process has sought to engage widely across the scientific community working on disaster risk, climate change, sustainability, and development. It also engaged with indigenous scholars, and actors in the private sector and civil society. We would like to express our gratitude to all who have contributed to this process, shared their insights and who wish to continue the conversation as we work as a community towards its implementation. We would especially like to thank Prof. John Handmer and Prof. Coleen Vogel for their leadership as co-chairs, Dr Ben Payne for coordinating this process, and the IRDR programme for its extensive support and contributions. UNDRR and the ISC are committed to engage widely with scientists, research funders, decision-makers in the public and private sectors to build momentum towards the trans-disciplinary risk science that we need to support bold action towards a safer world. This document provides a very valuable input into the process initiated by the two organisations to guide the next decade of international research on disaster risk.