The Indian National Science Academy (INSA), an institution of the Department of Science and Technology, has endorsed the Joint S20 Statement released by science academies of G20 countries on November 10, 2026. The statement was developed under the leadership of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences as part of the Science20 engagement process and will be presented to the G20 Summit scheduled for December 2026 in Miami, Florida.
The joint statement addresses the increasing challenges posed by natural hazards including heavy rainfall, earthquakes, droughts, wildfires, and extreme heat and cold events. It highlights the potential of emerging technologies such as Earth observation, remote sensing, early warning systems, digital twins, drone technologies, and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience. The statement emphasizes that effective application of these technologies requires addressing gaps in data availability, infrastructure, technical capacity, and institutional coordination while ensuring equitable access and deployment readiness.
Five key areas for action were identified: strengthening data collection and understanding of risk through improved observation systems and reliable data on hazards; enabling safe, secure and equitable access to data and technology while respecting national data governance responsibilities; building local skills and capacity through education, workforce development, and community engagement; strengthening human decision-making and governance with appropriate oversight and transparency; and advancing international and cross-sector collaboration among governments, academia, industry, and civil society.
The statement underscores that technology should enhance rather than replace human expertise, and effective disaster resilience requires locally relevant solutions supported by strong scientific collaboration. INSA will bring these recommendations to relevant national stakeholders and facilitate engagement among scientific experts, research institutions, and government agencies. The academy will continue to encourage interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, and collaboration in disaster preparedness through its national and international networks.