Turning knowledge into impact, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has formalized strategic collaboration by signing Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with leading public universities across Balochistan and Superior University, Lahore. This milestone marks a significant step towards a proactive, science-driven, and anticipatory disaster risk management framework.

The partnership brings together a province-wide academic network including Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, University of Balochistan, BUITEMS, LUAWMS Uthal, Mir Chakar Khan Rind University Sibi, University of Loralai, University of Makran Panjgur, University of Turbat, BUET Khuzdar, University of Gwadar, Bolan University of Medical & Health Sciences Quetta, along with Superior University Punjab. Vice Chancellors represented their respective institutions, with the delegation led by Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez, Vice Chancellor BUITEMS, Quetta.

Reflecting NDMA’s strategic shift from reactive response to risk-informed and anticipatory governance, the Vice Chancellors appreciated NDMA’s advanced early warning and hazard projection capabilities at the National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC). They also proposed the establishment of regional and subject-specific Centers of Excellence, expanding the outreach of NDMA’s Centre of Excellence on Climate Change & Disaster Management (C2DM).