The State Secretariat for Civil Defense of Rio de Janeiro (SEDEC-RJ), in collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), hosted the second “Meeting with Science” on November 25, 2024.
The event, held at the university auditorium, aimed to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, government sectors, and civil society to address disaster and risk management challenges.
Organized by ICTDEC, SEDEC-RJ’s Scientific and Technological Institute, and PUC-Rio’s Hands Laboratory, the event focused on the theme: “Is it possible to develop evidence-based public policies for risk and disaster management?”
According to SEDEC-RJ, this dialogue is crucial as climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing extreme weather events like floods and landslides pose growing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The meeting featured discussions on enhancing disaster prevention, preparedness, and recovery efforts.
Presenters emphasized the need for cooperation among government agencies, private entities, academic researchers, and community groups to build robust risk management systems.
Colonel Tarciso Salles, Secretary of State for Civil Defense and General Commander of CBMERJ, stated: “The motivation to overcome these challenges is clear: to protect lives and assets, reduce the vulnerability of communities, and adapt cities to new climate realities.”
Other participants included PUC Vice-Rector Luiz Fernando Martha, Public Prosecutor Zilda Veloso, and National Civil Defense Disaster Management Coordinator Tiago Molina.
Speakers highlighted the importance of developing resilient cities equipped with adaptive infrastructure and effective warning systems.
These measures are essential for mitigating disaster impacts and aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Efforts to raise awareness about disaster prevention and involve the public in active risk management were also underlined as key priorities.
Colonel Salles stressed the role of prevention in reducing risks and fostering a culture of shared responsibility for disaster management across sectors.
The event reinforced SEDEC-RJ’s dedication to connecting knowledge networks and implementing evidence-based solutions.
Collaborative approaches between academia, government, and civil society were seen as vital for crafting public policies capable of addressing complex, emerging risks.
According to the organizers, such partnerships lay the foundation for sustainable, equitable futures in regions increasingly affected by climate challenges and urban pressures.
The State Secretariat for Civil Defense of Rio de Janeiro (SEDEC-RJ) and PUC-Rio hosted the second “Meeting with Science” to address disaster and risk management.
The event focused on evidence-based public policy solutions to challenges posed by climate change, urbanization, and extreme weather events.
Participants discussed prevention, preparedness, recovery, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration.
Speakers emphasized building resilient cities and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals while promoting public awareness and active participation in disaster management.
Colonel Tarciso Salles highlighted the need to protect lives and adapt cities to changing climate realities.
The event reaffirmed SEDEC-RJ’s commitment to fostering partnerships and implementing integrated strategies for a sustainable future.
