CREST launched its Deliver, Dialogue, Discuss, and Discourse (D4) Series with a kick-off seminar focusing on one of the grand challenge topics; Enhancing Global Disaster Resilience with Innovations & Opportunities and a Review of India’s Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy on May 14, 2024 at the City College of New York and virtually. The purpose of the D4 seminar series is to engage with a community of researchers, educators, policy-makers, govt. officials and entrepreneurs and to D4 on topics relevant to Earth’s changing Environment & its impact on the society. The same is facilitated through seminars and workshops.
Dr. Santosh Kumar, former Senior Advisor, National Institute of Disaster Management, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India was the speaker for the D4 kick-off. Dr. Kumar is a leading development economist, trained in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and capacity development with more than three decades of combined experience in institutional capacity building, public policy, and governance.
During his talk, Dr. Kumar helped the attendees gain insights into several important topics such as India’s holistic Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies, methodologies, gender sensitive approach to DRR, community-based initiatives & role of local communities in disaster preparedness and response. He enthusiastically interacted with the in-person and virtual attendees through a Q&A session. Over fifty attendees including CREST, CCNY, and NOAA CESSRST II faculty, professionals, students, partners, and guests appreciated the seminar that was filled with learning and productive discussions.
During his visit to the City College of New York, Dr. Kumar also interacted with several CREST and CCNY faculty, professionals, leadership, and management. He learnt about the advanced research that is being conducted at CREST and the Grove School of Engineering. Further, Dr. Kumar and the CREST leadership brainstormed ideas and potential areas for future Indo-US collaboration.
Commenting on the importance of D4 Series and particularly this seminar, Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi added, “The visit of an international scholar such as Dr. Kumar to CREST Institute, brings an excellent opportunity for our scientists and students to get engaged with global issues and explore collaborative projects at international level.”
