Building Resilient Societies Using Data Technologies

An Orientation programme on Building Resilient Societies Using Data Technologies was conducted on September 23, 2024, for the students of all disciplines. Dr. Sushma Sahai, Head of the Department of Geography in her introductory address emphasized on the various data-driven technologies available and how these can play a pivotal role in strengthening communities and ensuring their resilience against various challenges. The session was conducted by Ms. Krishnakali Ghosh, Program Manager at Resilience Innovation Knowledge Academy Pvt. Ltd, a Planning and GIS expert for projects with clients like USAID, UNDRR, UNDP and UNESCO. Dr. Soma Dutta, Associate Professor, Department of Media Science, Geoge College, Kolkata was the second resource person. They both are practitioners from social sciences and disaster management fields and discussed the everyday risks prevalent around us, global frameworks like SENDAI framework, sustainable development goals, integration of data analytics, and other emerging technologies in tackling issues like climate change, public health crises, heritage conservation, economic instability, and social inequality.

Key discussions revolved around the collection of data, data cleaning, ethical use of data, privacy concerns, and disaggregated data collection and analyses. The session focused on how data can be used for proactive decision-making, disaster preparedness, resource management, and enhancing the overall wellbeing of communities. Through an interactive mode case studies and examples were highlighted where data technologies were successfully applied to predict and manage risks. Participants gained insights into the potential of technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, sensors for flood and earthquake early warning that can be instrumental in studying disasters and minimizing risks. Through the session participants were guided about fostering resilience and were encouraged to collaborate on innovative solutions for community-driven projects. The event underscored the need for a collaborative approach between governments, academia, and local communities to effectively harness data for building stronger, more adaptive societies.