#57 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Creative Arts + Indian Chapter

#61 - Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Student Disaster Resilience Towards Sustainable Policy and Practice

Abstract: Disaster resilience starts where preparedness and awareness converge, giving students the skills to respond effectively to crises. This research investigates the gaps in student disaster awareness and preparedness, identifying challenges and seeking solutions to improve disaster resilience through the creation of the Integrated Student Disaster Resilience Framework (ISDRF). This qualitative research study utilizes a perspective approach drawn from a combination of literature reviews, expert analyses, and case studies to comprehensively examine resilience-building measures. Analyses show that although students are aware of disaster risks, they tend to lack hands-on response capabilities, institutional support mechanisms, collaborative partnerships for disaster preparedness, and access to localized preparedness planning. Addressing these shortcomings necessitates an integrative approach focusing on disaster education enhancement, the development of community partnerships, and the inclusion of technology-driven solutions within preparedness initiatives. This research contributes to establishing a sustainable and resilient culture, ensuring increased awareness and empowering students as responders in disaster situations. Link to the paper: https://www.idrimjournal.com/article/160672-bridging-the-gap-strengthening-student-disaster-resilience-towards-sustainable-policy-and-practice Guests: * Ms. Kimberly M. Casanillo (Bacnotan National High School, Philippines) * Dr. Jomar L. Aban (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines) * Ms. Geezel Rosvie V. De Torres (Abra State Institute of Sciences and Technology Bangued Campus, Philippines) * Prof. Randulph I. Navasca (Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines) Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#60 - Welcome to IDRiM 2026

Summary: The 16th International Conference of the Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRiM) 2026 brings together global experts to advance integrated approaches to disaster risk management. IDRiM 2026 will highlight innovative solutions, interdisciplinary research, and practical strategies for building resilient communities. Participants will engage in insightful discussions, collaborative sessions, and knowledge sharing to drive meaningful impact. More Information: * https://idrim2026.com/ * https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/idrim-2026 * https://www.instagram.com/idrim2026 Guests: * Cecilia Nonifili (Resilience Development Initiative, Indonesia) * Vidya Azzizi (Resilience Development Initiative, Indonesia) Co-Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) * Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#59 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Canadian Chapter

Summary: The interview features Dr. Ranjan Tata from the Canada chapter of the Avoidable Deaths Network, who focuses on disaster research through the lens of Indigenous and community led knowledge. He highlights the importance of centering the perspectives of Indigenous, racialized, and marginalized communities in understanding avoidable deaths, emphasizing that solutions should come from within communities rather than being imposed externally. The Canada chapter has developed through collaboration between students, academics, and community members, creating space for dialogue that connects lived experiences with broader issues such as climate change, forest fires, and inequality. As part of the global campaign, activities focused on interactive discussions and reflective learning, encouraging students to relate disaster risk to their own lives and communities. A key message is the need to rethink conventional approaches by recognising Indigenous knowledge as valid science and essential to prevention efforts, while future goals focus on influencing policy and practice through approaches that are rooted in community needs, self awareness, and long term sustainability. ADN website Link: https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ Guests: * Dr. Ranjan Datta (Mount Royal University, Canada) Co-Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) * Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#58 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Creative Art/Literature + Bangladeshi Chapter

Summary: The first interview explores how creative expression, particularly poetry, storytelling, and other artistic forms, is used to raise awareness about avoidable deaths across sub–Saharan Africa. Patience Andrew, a leader within Custodians of African Literature and an advisory board member for the Avoidable Deaths Network, explains how campaigns have engaged young creatives through spoken word, short stories, photography, and performance to highlight issues such as maternal mortality, conflict, and public health risks. By combining creative literature with wider artistic practices, the initiative aims to humanise statistics, amplify lived experiences, and encourage young people to take part in advocacy and social change. Overall, it highlights the power of creative arts to educate, connect communities, and inspire action on important global challenges. The second interview focuses on how awareness, education, and early warning systems are being used in Bangladesh to reduce avoidable deaths caused by natural hazards. Fatima Akter, a lecturer in meteorology and regional coordinator for the Avoidable Deaths Network, explains how the Bangladesh chapter works through universities to educate students, who then share this knowledge within their communities. Activities include public campaigns, media outreach, student marches, and practical support during disasters such as floods, where relief, health guidance, and safety information are provided. Emphasis is placed on forecasting, preparedness, and community engagement, with the aim of improving understanding of risks and ultimately reducing loss of life through informed action and local participation. ADN website Link: https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ Guests: * Ms. Patience Andrew (Custodians of African Literature, Nigeria) * Prof. Fatima Akter (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) Co-Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) * Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.

#57 - Avoidable Deaths Network: Creative Arts + Indian Chapter

Summary: The first interview explores the role of creative arts within the Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN), featuring Winifred Ekezie from Aston University. While positioned within the UK chapter, the discussion centres on how creative approaches, such as poster campaigns, blogs, and planned creative health initiatives, are used to communicate evidence on avoidable deaths in more engaging and accessible ways. Through annual campaigns, students research and visually present the top avoidable causes of death across different regions, transforming complex public health data into compelling, audience-friendly outputs. This creative process not only raises awareness but also helps translate research into practical understanding, showing how preventable risks, often health-related, can be reduced through informed action at individual and community levels. The second interview shifts to the India chapter, led by Dr. Pinnamaneni and Dr. Jena, and highlights its recent launch and early activities. As a university-hosted initiative, the chapter prioritizes building future leaders by engaging students, NGOs, and policymakers in understanding and addressing avoidable deaths. Key efforts include relaunch events, international conference participation, quiz competitions, and collaborative discussions with grassroots organizations and global partners such as UN agencies. The chapter aims to act as a platform that connects research, policy, and practice, encouraging multi-sector collaboration and translating evidence into real-world impact. Looking ahead, their goals focus on strengthening partnerships with government bodies, supporting disaster risk reduction efforts, and ensuring long-term capacity building to tackle avoidable deaths across India. Link: https://www.avoidable-deaths.net/ [https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.avoidable-deaths.net%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cashley2.parry%40northumbria.ac.uk%7Cd5e96f3af25748bfa82108de91396f78%7Ce757cfdd1f354457af8f7c9c6b1437e3%7C0%7C0%7C639107873029555856%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LPzgB%2BScHYqXAQOdrUWYKoONmQmj8Q2yIaVpM6CRDzM%3D&reserved=0]Guests: * Dr. Winifred Ekezie (Aston University, United Kingdom) * Dr. Ramya Pinnamaneni (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India) * Dr. Pratap Kumar Jena (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, India) Co-Hosts: * Dr. Mark Ashley Parry (Northumbria University, United Kingdom) * Dr. Haris Rahadianto (Lund University, Sweden) Music: “Sunset” by Kai Engel, available at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠, licensed under CC BY 4.0.