With a click, Indonesia’s President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, opened the Science Expo on 1 November 2018. (Credit: @animesh00)

By Omar Amach

Jakarta, 20 November 2018 – The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) is using its convening power to strengthen, empower and mobilize young scientists to contribute to advancing disaster risk reduction in Asia and the Pacific. 

UNISDR supported and participated in a two-day workshop, organized by UNESCO, alongside the Indonesian Science Expo (ISE 2018) – a regional event that included exhibitions, scientific conferences, workshops, science shows, a youth science and innovation fair, science films and an art gallery.

Emphasizing the importance of science to social advancement, Indonesia’s President, His Excellency Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, personally opened the expo. “In every situation, research institutions play a central role in human life and their environment to provide high quality research and to cope with new challenges,” said Mr. Widodo.

A key feature of the workshop was an innovative platform of youth and young professionals, U-INSPIRE (Youth and Young Professionals on Innovation, Science, and Technology Platform for Resiliency) to accelerate the implementation of disaster risk reduction through harnessing the potential of young scientists.

From adjusting to changing hazards, to helping decision-makers enhance the resilience of our ever-growing cities in a sustainable and cost-effective manner, there is a need for quality research to guide efforts and to localize them.

In line with the Sendai Framework’s recommendations, UNISDR’s Deputy Chief for Asia and the Pacific, Animesh Kumar highlighted the importance of the engagement and empowerment of children, youth and science and technology communities to have a seat on the policy table.