The event was organised by the institute in collaboration with Concern Worldwide – a voluntary non-governmental organisation involved in implementing emergency and development programmes in 30 countries across the globe. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Nikunja K. Sundaray, IAS, Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director, Orissa State Disaster Management Authority.
The programme noticed the participation of 26 senior and middle level managers working in various government and non-governmental organisations in India, Nepal and Bangladesh.
With this programme, XIMB is able to move further to build a network of organisations from India and other South Asian countries for advocacy, capacity building and generating local capacity for the restoration of peace. The topic for the seminar becomes more relevant in the backdrop of the unfortunate turn of events in Kandhamal region of the state.
The motive behind holding the seminar was building the capacity of those involved in disaster risk reduction. As the programme came to an end, the participants would prepare a personal action/work plan to be implemented by their organization.
Prof. N Vinod Chandra Menon, honourable member, National Disaster Management Authority, Government of India; Dr. Antony Gnanamuthu, German Red Cross; Mr. Vishal Pathak, All India Disaster Management Institute, Allahabad; Mr. T.V. Sebastian, Concern Worldwide; and Prof. S. Peppin, XIMB were some of the eminent speakers, who took various sessions during the seven-day period.
On February 3, 2009, Prof. N Vinod Chandra Menon spoke on climate change and different aspects of managing natural and man-made disasters. Some of the important points covered in his address include:
• Managing natural disasters and man-made disasters
• Preparing for and responding to disasters
• Various post-disaster relief measures adopted till now
• Need for strengthening pre-disaster preparedness
• Mitigation activities intended to reduce the impact
• Building earthquake resistant houses
• Introducing helicopter ambulances like it is practiced abroad
• Improved early warning systems
• Increased community participation
• Films on climate change
