Today's Principal Information Bulletin Summaries (June 9, 2025)
India Emphasizes Collaboration and Innovation at Global Conferences
India has taken a leading role in promoting sustainable ocean governance and disaster-resilient infrastructure at two significant global events in 2025.
At the United Nations Oceans Conference, India extended best wishes and emphasized the shared global responsibility for the health of the oceans. The Minister highlighted the importance of international collaboration to protect the oceans amidst rising climate and economic pressures.
Simultaneously, at the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025, India outlined five global priorities to enhance disaster resilience. The conference underscored the vital role of private sector engagement and multi-sector adaptation finance in building disaster-resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding climate stresses.
World Food Safety Day 2025
The focus at World Food Safety Day 2025 was on data-driven approaches and technology integration to enhance food safety globally. Key innovations and initiatives included the use of mobile audit tools, predictive analytics, and the launch of a new Food Safety & Quality risk management platform by Jollibee Group. The theme, “Food Safety: Science in Action,” emphasized embedding science, data, and technology into food safety systems to promote prevention and collaboration across the farm-to-table chain.
The USDA’s 2025 budget also underlines investment in resilient food system infrastructure. $420 million has been allocated to fund innovation projects aimed at enhancing processing and distribution capacity, strengthening local and regional food systems, and providing better market opportunities for small and mid-sized producers.
India's Role in Maritime Sustainability and Disaster Resilience
India's ambition to scale Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) across its entire coastline was reinforced. The Minister, jointly with Norway's Minister of International Development, underscored the role of MSP in sustainable ocean governance. The India-Norway MSP collaboration, under the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative, has already delivered results through pilot projects in Puducherry and Lakshadweep.
India has also established a tsunami warning system that currently benefits 29 countries. The Minister reaffirmed that data-informed, science-driven policies are at the core of India's marine governance strategy.
Creating a Global Digital Repository
India proposed creating a global digital repository of best practices and learnings from disaster-affected regions to guide future resilience strategies. This repository would serve as a valuable resource for countries seeking to build resilience against climate and disaster risks.
The Presence of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon
The presence of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon at the events highlighted the strategic importance of India-Norway bilateral cooperation on maritime sustainability and disaster resilience.
India's Recognition of Small Island Developing States
India's recognition of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as Large Ocean Countries emphasized the shared responsibility for ocean health and the need for collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by these nations.
SAHAV Portal: A GIS-based Decision Support System
A key highlight was the launch of the SAHAV Portal, a GIS-based decision support system recognized as a Digital Public Good. This system offers real-time spatial data for smarter marine planning and strengthening early warning systems and inter-agency coordination, which are key requirements for effective disaster preparedness and response.
These events collectively highlight a systemic approach integrating innovation, science, data, and cross-sector collaboration to improve food safety and infrastructure resilience against disasters.
- The Food Safety & Quality risk management platform, launched on World Food Safety Day, incorporates science, data, and technology to enhance food safety across the farm-to-table chain.
- India has pledged to implement data-driven approaches for ocean governance, citing the importance of embedding science into its maritime strategy.
- Innovations in food safety, such as mobile audit tools and predictive analytics, were spotlighted during the World Food Safety Day, emphasizing the impact of technology on global food safety.
- At World Food Safety Day, the Jollibee Group showcased its new initiative, focusing on integrating advanced data and technology into its food safety systems.
- The SAHAV Portal, a Digital Public Good, offers real-time spatial data, supporting smarter marine planning and disaster preparedness through improved inter-agency coordination.
- India's commitment to creating a global digital repository of disaster-resilience best practices aims to facilitate knowledge sharing among nations in addressing climate and disaster risks.
- The India-Norway MSP collaboration, through the Indo-Norwegian Integrated Ocean and Research Initiative, has leveraged science and collaboration to drive sustainable ocean governance.
- The strategic partnership between India and Norway, as indicated by the presence of Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon, underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation in solving challenges related to maritime sustainability and disaster resilience.
- India's recognition of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as Large Ocean Countries positions both parties to collaborate in addressing shared challenges and promoting sustainable ocean health.
- The USDA's investment in resilient food system infrastructure, totaling $420 million, places emphasis on innovation projects focused on strengthening local and regional food systems.
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