This course on Safe Cities is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and how to build urban resilience in the face of growing disaster risks. Participants will explore the intricate relationship between urban development and disaster risks, with a focus on how poorly planned urbanization and inadequate infrastructure make cities particularly vulnerable. The course covers the evolving shift from disaster response to proactive risk management and emphasizes the importance of incorporating DRR into urban planning. It also highlights the role of local governance and decentralization in disaster management, with particular attention to how urban local bodies (ULBs) in India are empowered to address these challenges through constitutional amendments and the creation of Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs).

A key aspect of the course is its emphasis on multi-dimensional disaster management approaches, including risk assessment, risk mapping, and integrating disaster risk reduction into daily governance. Participants will learn about innovative technologies and solutions that enhance urban resilience, such as the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data Analytics. These tools can improve real-time disaster response, risk analysis, and long-term recovery planning, ultimately helping cities become more adaptive to both natural and man-made hazards. By leveraging these technologies, urban planners and disaster managers can build smarter, more sustainable cities that are better prepared for the challenges posed by disasters.

Throughout the course, participants will also gain practical insights into DRR strategies through case studies and assignments. These case studies will illustrate how various cities have successfully implemented disaster risk reduction measures, integrating community participation and institutional commitment into their frameworks. The course will cover key topics such as stakeholder engagement, community empowerment, disaster response and recovery planning, and the implementation of mitigation measures. By the end of the course, participants will have a holistic understanding of how to develop and manage disaster-resilient cities, equipped with the knowledge to implement these strategies in their own urban contexts