8 July 2020, Professor Giorgi Pkhakadze, was invited as a Chief Guest and gave an inaugural address at the Virtual International Conference on “Natural Disasters and their Early Warning Systems (NEWS) 2020” [July 8-9th, 2020] at the Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
Professor Pkhakadze emphasised the importance of more strong evidence based interdisciplinary approach in disaster preparedness.
On-going COVID-19 pandemic and continued natural disasters have shown that we, as a Global Community can no longer think of pandemic preparedness or disaster preparedness in a silo. We should do both. Investing in strong healthcare systems, improving effective communication among all stakeholders, at global and the local levels including small communities, and ensuring participation and accountability at all levels. It will save lives, local communities, and strengthen our economies.