The 2nd Pak-China Symposium on Early Warning for Hydrological and Geological Disasters concluded today at NDMA Headquarters, Islamabad. The two-day event focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience through technical exchanges and high-level engagements.
The symposium commenced on 18 May 2026, with Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, attending the opening session as Chief Guest. The first Pak-China Symposium was held in August 2025.
On the concluding day, five parallel technical sessions were held at NDMA’s Centre of Excellence (COE). The technical sessions were attended by experts, scientists and researchers from Pakistan and China where they shared research findings, technological advancements and operational experiences on hydrological and geological hazards, climate-induced disasters, glacial risks, and early warning systems. The sessions highlighted the critical role of science-driven policymaking, technological innovation and regional collaboration in tackling emerging climate challenges.
Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik HI(M) reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international cooperation for disaster resilience. He emphasized leveraging scientific innovation, technology, and collaborative partnerships to protect vulnerable communities from future climate-induced hazards. He described the symposium as an important platform for practical cooperation and shared learning between Pakistan and China in disaster management and early warning systems. He proposed to conduct monthly meetings of joint working groups to review the progress on technological integration into disaster management.
Participants also visited the National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC), where they received detailed briefings on key NDMA initiatives, including Global Disaster Lens, Water Equation, Global Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM) and NDMA’s Global Disaster App. The visit showcased NDMA’s efforts to integrate advanced technologies, predictive analytics and real-time monitoring for enhanced anticipatory action and response preparedness.
A high-level panel discussion titled “Climate Change and Hydrological-Geological Hazard Warning in China and Pakistan: Experiences, Challenges, and Joint Responses” was chaired by Dr. Lei Yu. Prominent panelists included Prof. Kang Shichang, Director-General IMHE, Prof. Mohammad Qasim Jan from Pakistan Academy of Pakistan, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS, Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECO Science Foundation, Prof. Su Lijun, Deputy Director CPJRC, Prof. Javed Iqbal, Chairman Department of Earth Sciences, NUST, Member DRR NDMA, Mr. Idrees Masud.
The panelists stressed the urgent need for enhanced regional cooperation, knowledge sharing, scientific partnerships, and technological integration to build resilience against climate-related hazards.
During the closing ceremony, speakers appreciated the successful organization of the symposium and reaffirmed their commitment to continued Pak-China cooperation in disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, scientific research, and institutional capacity building. Closing remarks were delivered by Executive Director NIDM Mr. M. Tanveer Piracha, Prof. Su Lijun, Deputy Director CPJRC, Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi, President ECO Science Foundation, Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director COMSATS, and Chairman NDMA Lt Gen. Inam Haider Malik HI(M).
The symposium concluded with the distribution of shields among participants and delegates, followed by a networking session attended by representatives from academia, research institutions, government organizations, and international partners from both countries.
