The 2nd International Conference on Smart Informatics and Multi-hazard Reduction (SIMR 2025) took place from 11–16 September 2025 at Chengdu University of Technology, China, organized by UNESCO Chair in Informatics and Multi-Hazard Risk Reduction and other international partners. Guided by the theme “Empowering Resilience: Transferring Technologies into Solutions for Effective Disaster Risk Reduction”, the conference brought together leading experts from around the world to address the challenges of climate change, extreme weather events, and multi-hazard risks, while exploring how technology can advance effective disaster resilience strategies.
The Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) was prominently represented through the participation of Dr. Saini Yang, Executive Director of IRDR, who served as a keynote speaker. In her address, titled “Transferring Technologies to Solutions: Actions from IRDR”, Dr. Yang shared IRDR’s innovative work in data and technology, including the Global Disaster Data Platform for real-time disaster monitoring, and a recent joint project on artificial intelligence and large language models to analyze complex disaster data. She also showcased the ongoing collaborations with UNDRR, UNESCO, the World Bank, and national governments to embed risk assessment into climate action, spatial planning, and policymaking.
IRDR’s engagement at SIMR 2025 demonstrated its critical role in bridging research and practice. By developing forward-looking scientific tools and frameworks and ensuring their translation into accessible and scalable solutions, IRDR continues to empower communities, governments, and institutions worldwide to strengthen resilience and advance sustainable development.
In 2023, IRDR signed a supporting letter for UNESCO Chair in Informatics and Multi-Hazard Risk Reduction to provide in-kind contributions. IRDR also supported the establishment of the Global Partnership for Smart Informatics and Multi-Hazard Reduction, which was launched by the UNESCO Chair in Informatics and Multi-Hazard Risk Reduction at Loughborough University, UK, and the State Key Laboratory of Geohazard Prevention and Geoenvironment Protection (SKLGP) at Chengdu University of Technology, China.
