Islamabad, 18–19 May 2026: The 2nd China–Pakistan Symposium on Early Warning for Hydrological & Geological Disasters was held at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Islamabad. The event was jointly organized by the China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences (CPJRC), Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation (ECOSF), UNESCO Chair for Mountains Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment (IMHE), and Quaid-i-Azam University.

 

The Symposium brought together researchers, policymakers, disaster management professionals, diplomats, and technical experts from Pakistan, China, and other countries. Participants deliberated on strengthening regional cooperation in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience, focusing on hydrological and geological hazard monitoring, early warning systems, data-sharing mechanisms, and institutional preparedness against climate-induced disasters, including floods, landslides, glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), and debris flows.

The inaugural session was graced by Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, who attended as Chief Guest. He emphasized the urgent need to bridge the “knowing–doing gap” between academia, researchers, and policymakers, stressing that effective early warning systems and coordinated response mechanisms are critical for disaster mitigation and resilience-building in climate-vulnerable regions.

Executive Director of COMSATS, Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Nafees Zakaria, participated as a panelist and attended both the inaugural and closing sessions, accompanied by senior COMSATS officials. He emphasized the vital role of multilateral platforms in scaling up the Pakistan-China Early Warning System ecosystem through resource mobilization, knowledge exchange, capacity building, and expanded regional outreach across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

He further highlighted that COMSATS’ Centres of Excellence possess strong expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and digital technologies, which can significantly enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. He also underscored that COMSATS’ partnerships with international organizations and its observer status at UNFCCC act as a force multiplier in advancing global cooperation on climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development.

The Executive Director highlighted that COMSATS network of 25 S&T has 11 Centres of Excellence with strong credentials of environmental expertise and 6 dedicated and renowned scientific institutes with expertise in AI, IoT, Data analytics and Digital Technology. These technologies have profound applications in the Climate Change related Early Warning and Mitigation systems. COMSATS membership of developing countries stretching from Asia to Middle East to Africa and Latin America makes it a unique forum for South-South Cooperation.

The panel discussion featured leading experts and practitioners who shared insights on disaster risk reduction, climate change impacts, and institutional approaches to early warning systems and capacity building.

Mr. M. Idrees Mahsud, Member Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), highlighted that structured cooperation in disaster management gained momentum after the 2005 earthquake, with China emerging as a key partner in disaster response. He noted that operational challenges during the 2010 floods exposed gaps in provincial disaster management systems, emphasizing the need for stronger risk assessments and a shift toward practical, sustainable DRR frameworks. He also highlighted need for funding of the initiatives.

Prof. Kang Shichang, Director General, Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment (IMHE), Chinese Academy of Sciences, drew attention to the accelerating impacts of climate change on fragile mountain ecosystems, including a reported 25% decline in glacial area in China since the 1960s; stressed enhanced monitoring of glacial lakes for GLOF risk assessment and the identification of “hidden glaciers” using advanced satellite technologies.

Prof. Muhammad Qasim Jan, Academician, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), emphasized systematic geological mapping in tectonically active regions as the foundation for robust hazard assessment.

Prof. Su Lijun, Deputy Director, China-Pakistan Joint Research Center on Earth Sciences (CPJRC), underscored the importance of a data-first approach for geo-hazard susceptibility modelling. He highlighted the need for high-quality spatial and temporal datasets to develop accurate AI-based predictive models, and stressed transitioning from static hazard maps to dynamic real-time monitoring systems.

Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President, ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), emphasized the role of science diplomacy in translating scientific knowledge into capacity building and partnerships among ECO member countries. He highlighted ECOSF’s mandate in promoting science literacy, education, and regional cooperation to strengthen resilience against climate-induced hazards.

Prof. Javed, Chairman, Department of Earth Sciences, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), stressed strengthening academia–industry linkages to better align graduates with market needs, citing initiatives such as the Higher Education Linkages Portal and the NUST Corporate Advisory Council as positive steps forward.

The Symposium reviewed progress on ongoing collaborative initiatives, including the deployment of advanced mountain hazard monitoring and disaster risk warning systems in Pakistan. Participants also explored the use of innovative technologies such as UAV-based disaster assessment systems, digital risk mapping platforms, and climate monitoring tools to support evidence-based decision-making and infrastructure planning under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

The two-day Symposium concluded with a shared commitment among participating institutions to deepen scientific collaboration, enhance technical capacity, and strengthen regional partnerships for effective early warning systems and disaster risk reduction.