Role of information and communication technologies in disaster mitigation was one of the themes that dominated the recently held ‘World Conference on Disaster Reduction’ at Kobe, Japan. Specialists from government and private bodies attended the five-day conference that started on 18th January 2005. The findings of the deliberations can be classified as under:

Importance of ICTs
Recent experience shows that when disasters strike, telecommunication can save lives. ICT applications to disaster reduction can play key roles in early warning of environmental hazards, promoting economic continuity, infrastructure preservation and fostering local social and cultural dynamics. Recent tragedies, such the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004, have drawn popular attention to the life-saving role of now common technologies such as mobile telephony-based text messaging (SMS).

Leadership
The international community, inter-governmental agencies and NGOs and other representatives of civil society need to show more leadership on realising the global potential for ICT in disaster reduction. International community should encourage countries to join the 30 who have ratified The Tempere Convention on the Provision of Telecommunication Resources for Disaster Mitigation and Relief Operations, which removes barriers to cross-border deployment of ICT equipment, systems and expertise.

Partnerships
Smart partnerships are needed amongst international and national agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, NGOs and other stakeholders from civil society.

The International Telecommunication Union, in working with ICT sectoral partners and national regulatory agencies, have crucial roles to play in fostering both preparedness for disaster and response to them. Preparedness for disasters is enhanced by the ITU’s prioritisation of emergency response capabilities in its spectrum management role and promotion of international technical standards. Disaster response capacities and support for sustainable recovery is provided by the ITU by coordinating satellite communications capacity between nations as an immediate response to crisis and by mobilizing resources, including expertise, for systems stabilization and rehabilitation. Closer partnerships with researchers and private sector ICT stakeholders is needed for development of disaster-resilient information and communications systems

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