SAMANVAY Sphere India Bulletin January 2025

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Message from CEO Dear Readers,   As we step into 2025, we reflect on the collective efforts toward strengthening disaster resilience, addressing climate challenges, and fostering inclusive development. This month, we engaged in meaningful discussions on pressing issues, including migration, air pollution, and risk communication. These dialogues highlighted the intersection of climate change and human mobility, the impact of deteriorating air quality, and the critical role of communication in disaster management.   The January 2025 edition of Samanvay features updates from our members, along with Sphere India's program updates and highlights from the government and international humanitarian community. Additionally, it includes significant events and initiatives by our member organizations, and our upcoming sessions and events. From the Government of India, we have a celebratory news as the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) celebrates 150 years of excellence. Additionally, India’s Biennial Update Report was submitted to UNFCC, showcasing the nation’s continued commitment to addressing climate change and environmental sustainability. We endeavor to ensure that our newsletters are informative and beneficial to our readership, and we appreciate your feedback and suggestions to achieve this goal.   Furthermore, in this edition we have shared information on various grants and opportunities available to our partners and stakeholders. We encourage everyone to explore these and take full advantage of the support available to enhance your initiatives.   I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere appreciation to our members, partners, staff, and volunteers for their unwavering commitment and contributions. Your dedication continues to drive our collective mission forward. At Sphere India, we remain committed to fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders and continuously enhancing our programs and communications. Your feedback and suggestions are invaluable in ensuring that our monthly bulletins remain relevant, informative, and impactful.   As we look ahead to February, we are excited about the upcoming initiatives by the Sphere India Academy and the opportunities they present for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building. Let us continue working together toward a more resilient and sustainable future.   Vikrant Mahajan CEO, Sphere India In this Issue Program updates Accountability to Affected Population News from Members Updates from Government News from IAGs  Updates from Global Humanitarian Community Grants and Opportunities Upcoming Events Program Update  Knowledge & Capacity Sharing Sphere India Academy Migration and the Role of Climate Change: Examining Displacement and Vulnerability Sphere India, in collaboration with Sphere India Academy, PRISM, Climate Action Resources Network – Asia Pacific, and YOUTH CONCLAVE - Warriors of GREEN, organized a webinar on “Migration and the Role of Climate Change: Examining Displacement and Vulnerability.” The session  conducted on 17th January 2025, explored the intersection of climate change and human mobility, highlighting the urgent need for a coordinated global response to address displacement, vulnerabilities, and climate action. Watch here >> Rising Air Crisis: Exploring Solutions for a Sustainable Future Sphere India Academy, in collaboration with Academy by HCL Foundation, organized an insightful webinar titled Rising Air Crisis: Exploring Solutions for a Sustainable Future on 22nd January 2025. The session brought together experts and thought leaders to address the alarming air pollution crisis, with a focus on Delhi's worsening air quality. Discussions highlighted key pollution sources, severe health impacts, and the urgent need for action; emphasized the role of policy interventions, technological advancements, and citizen engagement in tackling air quality issues. Watch here>> Inter-Agency Coordination  Honouring the frontliners of Tripura flood 2024 Tripura faced severe flooding in August-September 2024, and both local and external humanitarian agencies, along with citizens, came together to provide essential support to the affected population. On January 4th, 2025, Sphere India through the Inter-Agency Group (IAG) Tripura, that was formalized in November 2024, facilitated a workshop in Agartala to honor the tireless efforts of volunteers, NGOs, and CSOs who actively contributed to the JRNA and flood management efforts. The event, hosted in collaboration with the Voluntary Health Association of Tripura (VHAT) and the State Relief Material Collection & Re-distribution Committee, Tripura, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Dr. Sarat Kumar Das, State Project Officer, Disaster Management, Revenue Department/TDMA; Mr. John Debbarma, Joint Director, Social Welfare Department; Er. Sumit Majumder, RD Engineer & Member, State Relief Materials Collection & Redistribution Committee; Mr. Nandan Roy, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Tripura State; Mr. Sujit Ghosh, Interim Convener, IAG Tripura & Executive Director, VHAT. The event featured heartfelt deliberations, the introduction of the "Yuva Apada Mitra" project to train 800 disaster volunteers, and the distribution of certificates recognizing the contributions of individuals and organizations. We would like to extend special thanks to the Revenue Department/Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA) for facilitating effective GO-NGO coordination during the recent crisis and for envisioning the strengthening of IAG-Tripura through its State Disaster Management Plan (2023-24). Accountability to Affected Population  From Alerts to Recovery: Communication as a Catalyst in Disaster Management Sphere India Academy organized a webinar on 28th January 2025 as part of the Sphere India's Accountability to Affected/at-risk Population program,  to highlight the significance of communication as aid in disaster management. The session highlighted effective practices and innovative solutions for communicating with disaster-affected communities, emphasizing its role in preparedness and recovery while fostering trust and inclusivity. It also addressed the challenges and opportunities of digital technologies. Watch here>> News from Members Humanitarian Aid International (HAI) The Global Report on the Status of Frontline Humanitarian Workers was published by Humanitarian Aid International (HAI) on Reliefweb and launched at the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week-Asia 2024. The report, which was drawn on first-hand data collected from over 700 frontline workers across 60 countries in 7 languages, highlighted the psychological, environmental, economic, and developmental condition of the most vulnerable professionals in the humanitarian sector. This study is not meant to showcase disparities in the global humanitarian systems but also work towards an equitable solution to take care of frontline workers who risk their lives and serve communities with little recognition. The study aims to advocate for and help set up a universal endowment fund for frontline workers in cases of emergency. Read here>> We would like to congratulate Mr. Sudhanshu S. Singh, Founder and CEO of HAI, on his election as one of the new Executive Committee members of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN). This recognition, announced during the ADRRN Annual Meet ahead of the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week—Asia 2024, is a significant step for both Sudhanshu and the network. We look forward to the continued collaboration and collective progress toward enhancing disaster risk reduction and humanitarian efforts. All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) The latest edition of Southasiadisasters.net titled “Climate Extremes: Pathways for Preparedness and Anticipatory Action,” explores the escalating climate extremes in South Asia and the urgent need for anticipatory actions to mitigate their impacts. Marking the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the issue highlights the co-location of hazards such as floods, heatwaves, and cyclones, and their compounded effects on vulnerable communities, especially women and marginalized groups. It calls for inclusive, context-sensitive preparedness strategies, drawing from local experiences like community-led efforts in Gujarat, while stressing the importance of co-creating solutions that integrate scientific knowledge with on-the-ground realities. The edition also critiques gaps in resource access, forecasting, and institutional support, urging a shift toward proactive, equitable strategies to address the region’s mounting climate challenges, with India playing a pivotal role in advancing resilience and mitigation efforts. Read here>> Intersection 2025 - Social Norms I Gender Equity I Climate Action PCI India recently hosted Intersection 2025, exploring how social norms and gender equity intersect with climate action. Discussions focused on building inclusive, climate-resilient communities and highlighted the need for integrated solutions across health, livelihoods, social security, and clean energy. Participants emphasized the importance of community-driven climate action, diverse voices in shaping equitable climate policies, and the crucial links between climate effects and women’s health, across age groups. Opportunities and scope of expanding sustainable livelihoods, particularly women's economic empowerment, and integrating with climate action were explored. Clean energy emerged as a critical area for promoting equity and inclusivity. Strategies were discussed to address last-mile access challenges, overcome social barriers, and foster women’s leadership in technology and community initiatives. The transition to clean energy was viewed as an opportunity to reshape societies while addressing the climate crisis. Representing Sphere India, Nupur Tyagi contributed valuable insights as a panellist.  Mahatma Phule Samaj Seva Mandal's (MPSSM) initiative to Empower Widowed Women Mahatma Phule Samaj Seva Mandal (MPSSM), led by Mr. Pramod Zinjade, has initiated significant efforts to encourage rural communities in Maharashtra to reconsider traditional widowhood practices. Through sustained engagement with community leaders and local governance structures, MPSSM has facilitated discussions on the social position of widowed women and the importance of fostering inclusive community environments. A turning point occurred when the village council of Herwad passed a resolution to discontinue discriminatory widowhood practices. This bold step inspired nearby areas to follow suit, including the village council of Mangaon, which adopted a similar resolution. Following this, the Government of Maharashtra extended its support, urging other local governments to take similar actions. With constructive backing from the state government, awareness sessions and village consultations were conducted in several districts. These engagements led to positive resolutions by panchayats in villages such as Ghatanji, Kalamb, and Maregaon in Yavatmal district, where formal decisions were made to discontinue practices that traditionally restricted the participation of widowed women in social and cultural activities. Contact for more>>  Updates from Inter-Agency Groups and State Networks  IAG Jharkhand Facilitates Formation of Disaster Management Cell (DMC) in the Animal Husbandry Department IAG Jharkhand took a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and resilience in Jharkhand’s animal husbandry sector by facilitating the formation of a Disaster Management Cell (DMC) within the Department of Animal Husbandry. The workshop addressed the unique challenges faced by the state's livestock, fisheries, and dairy sectors due to natural and man-made disasters, including droughts, floods, heat waves, cold waves, disease outbreaks, and climate change impacts. Mr. Subir Kumar, State Convener and Executive Director of IAG Jharkhand highlighted  the  critical  need  for a Disaster Management  Cell  to  ensure a coordinated approach to disaster preparedness and response, particularly in sectors crucial to the rural economy. The workshop saw active participation from representatives of the Animal Husbandry, Dairy, and Fisheries Departments, along with IAG Jharkhand. The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to the establishment of the DMC and a roadmap for integrating disaster management strategies within the sector. Updates from the Government India Submits 4th Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), submitted on 30th December 2024, underscores significant progress in the country’s climate action efforts. The report highlights a remarkable 7.93% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2020 compared to 2019, marking a key achievement in India's journey toward lowering its carbon footprint. Additionally, India’s forest and tree cover played a pivotal role in sequestering 522 million tonnes of CO2, offsetting 22% of the nation’s total emissions. Between 2005 and 2020, India made notable strides in decoupling economic growth from emissions, with its emission intensity of GDP reducing by 36%. By October 2024, non-fossil sources accounted for 46.52% of India’s installed electricity generation capacity, reflecting the country’s transition toward clean energy. These accomplishments, despite India’s historically low contribution to global emissions, demonstrate the nation's proactive stance in combatting climate change while pursuing its developmental goals. Read here>> India Meteorological Department Celebrates 150 Years of Excellence The India Meteorological Department (IMD) marked a significant milestone on January 14, 2025, as it celebrated its 150th Foundation Day. Established in 1875, IMD has played a crucial role in advancing meteorology, seismology, and disaster management in India. The event was graced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched 'Mission Mausam,' a transformative initiative aimed at making India a 'Weather-ready and Climate-smart' nation. IMD has continually upgraded its technological capabilities, with  key achievements including improvements in forecasting accuracy, enhanced weather observation systems, and the successful prediction of major cyclones. Through these efforts, IMD has not only contributed to disaster risk reduction but has also driven advancements in sustainable development, supporting critical sectors such as agriculture, aviation, and public safety. As the nation faces growing climate challenges, IMD’s legacy of innovation and resilience remains vital for India's future climate preparedness. India’s WASH Innovations Shine at World Economic Forum 2025 At the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, India’s transformative water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives were highlighted in a global discussion titled “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” The session, hosted at the India Pavilion, was graced by Shri C.R. Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, who delivered the keynote address. He emphasized India’s achievements through the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission   (JJM),   which    have    significantly    improved  sanitation and water access in rural areas. India’s progress, including increasing access to safe drinking water from 17% to 79.66% of rural households, showcases the nation’s commitment to tackling water scarcity and promoting sustainable water management. The discussions also featured global experts and panelists from UNICEF, WaterAid, and other organizations, highlighting India’s role in global water sustainability, public-private partnerships, and climate resilience. India’s WASH initiatives are set to inspire global strategies for achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Clean Water and Sanitation and Climate Action - SDG 6 & 13.   Updates from Global Humanitarian Community UNEP Finance Initiative Climate change poses significant risks to economies and societies, with global temperatures already exceeding 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. Every additional rise in temperature intensifies weather extremes, threatening food security, health, and economic stability. In response, 196 Parties adopted the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit warming to well below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, by adhering to carbon budgets and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Immediate action is essential, as emphasized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Financial institutions have a crucial role in driving decarbonization and assessing climate risks through tools like scenario analysis. To assist in this, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) developed a report to guide financial practitioners in interpreting and applying IPCC-assessed climate scenarios to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Read here>> Key points from the Report  1. IPCC-Identified Scenario Pathways: The report evaluates 97 climate scenario pathways to limit global warming to 1.5°C with no or limited overshoot. These scenarios provide critical insights into emissions reduction targets, energy demand shifts, and technological advancements required. 2. Practical Use of Scenarios: It offers actionable guidance on integrating climate scenarios into decision-making processes for financial institutions, helping them assess climate risks and support decarbonization strategies. 3. Carbon Budget Management: Explains the importance of staying within the carbon budget and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. 4. Milestones and Emissions Targets: Highlights key milestones in climate action pathways, emphasizing immediate and significant GHG reductions in this decade to stay on track for the 1.5°C target. 5. Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The report explores methods for financial institutions to use scenario analysis for risk identification, management, and alignment with global climate objectives. Decent Work through Nature-Based Solutions: Unlocking Jobs and Skills for a Sustainable Future The Decent Work in Nature-Based Solutions 2024 report, co-developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP), and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), highlights the critical role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in addressing challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. NbS offer a dual opportunity: mitigating environmental issues while driving economic growth through job creation. The report explores emerging opportunities in sectors like forestry, agriculture, and infrastructure, stressing the need to equip individuals with skills to scale NbS initiatives and meet the growing demand for green jobs. By focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and decent work, the report aims to inform policies that foster economic transformation, promote equity, and ensure the benefits of NbS are accessible to marginalized groups like women, youth, and indigenous communities. The findings provide a roadmap for stakeholders to accelerate NbS adoption and create jobs that support a sustainable future. Read here>> Key Points from the Report: 1. Current and Future Job Creation: The global NbS sector already supports 60.5–63 million jobs and has the potential to create an additional 20–32 million jobs by 2030, particularly in forestry, agriculture, and infrastructure. 2. Job Opportunities in Key Sectors: Significant job creation is expected in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and infrastructure, with a focus on emerging opportunities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. 3. Skills Development: To scale up NbS projects, targeted skills development programs are crucial to bridge gaps in technical expertise, ecological restoration, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 4. NbS as a Source of Employment: NbS contribute to immediate employment, sustainable livelihoods, and resilience against climate change and biodiversity loss. 5. Inclusivity and Empowerment: The report stresses the importance of ensuring that NbS initiatives empower women, youth, and indigenous communities by providing equitable and decent work opportunities. 6. Investment Needs: To effectively scale NbS, there is a need for increased public and private investment, as well as inclusive policies that align global and national frameworks. Special Issue of the Journal of Nature-based Solutions A Special Issue of the Journal of Nature-based Solutions, titled "Nature-based Solutions for Reducing Disaster Risk: What is the Evidence?", is now available. This issue features a collection of 11 articles that explore the growing role of ecosystems in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The articles examine strategies for implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS), showcasing real-world case studies, including cost-benefit analyses that demonstrate the effectiveness of NBS in reducing disaster risks. The journal highlights the increasing importance of NBS in addressing global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and enhancing disaster resilience. By emphasizing the integration of social, environmental, and economic factors, the issue underscores the need for holistic approaches to designing and applying NBS. This special issue is a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in nature-based approaches for disaster risk reduction. Read here> The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report 2024 provides a comprehensive overview of progress across all 17 SDGs, detailing advancements and setbacks by specific targets. While there have been notable improvements in areas like child mortality, HIV prevention, and access to energy, the report also underscores the significant challenges hindering progress. These include the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising conflicts, geopolitical tensions, and climate change, which have reversed or slowed down achievements in key areas. It where action must accelerate, particularly in critical areas like climate change, peace and security, and inequality. It also emphasizes that with just six years left to meet the 2030 deadline, immediate, bold, and transformative action is required. To ensure the promise of the SDGs is fulfilled, the global community must invest in solutions that address these interconnected crises and work together to achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for all. Read here>> Global Risks Report 2025 The 20th edition of the Global Risks Report 2025 by the World Economic Forum highlights a fragmented global landscape, with escalating geopolitical, environmental, societal, and technological challenges threatening stability and progress. Notably, the top risks for the next decade are predominantly environmental, including extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, critical changes to Earth's systems, natural resource shortages, and pollution. This shift underscores how climate concerns have evolved from academic discussions to urgent, pressing realities shaping global strategies and development priorities. Integrating climate considerations into economic, social, and policy planning is now crucial for fostering resilience and sustainable growth. The report emphasizes that ignoring these interconnected risks could deepen global inequalities and destabilize economies. Decision-makers must prioritize collaborative, forward-thinking approaches to mitigate future threats and enhance adaptive capacity worldwide.  Read here>> IASC Standards for Collective Feedback Mechanisms The IASC Standards for Collective Feedback Mechanisms (CFM), developed by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee, offer a comprehensive framework for managing community feedback in humanitarian settings. Built on extensive consultation and field experimentation, these standards aim to unify approaches for gathering, analyzing, and acting on feedback, ultimately strengthening Accountability to Affected People (AAP). They are complemented by four practical annexes, including a template logbook for consistent feedback documentation, an analytical framework to identify trends, a tracker to monitor collective actions and outcomes, and a glossary to establish shared terminology. Together, these tools enable humanitarian actors to create more accountable, responsive, and impactful interventions. By fostering a collective approach to feedback management, the standards support inclusive decision-making and more effective humanitarian responses. Read here>> Grants and Opportunities Massive Open Online Course on Nature-Based Solutions Applications open for Mitigation Action Facility Projects 2025 FY 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity The UNDRR is offering a free online course in 2025 on nature-based solutions for climate resilience. The 6-hour course includes virtual reality videos and a UNEP certificate. Available in 8 languages, it's a great opportunity to learn and expand your professional network. Organization: United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) supported  Starts on: 30th January 2025 More information >> The call open from 19th November 2024 seeks ambitious and feasible climate change mitigation projects in the energy, industry, and transport sectors, aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and long-term climate strategies. Applicants can submit proposals via the Open Application Platform (OAP). Organization: Mitigation Action Facility Deadline:   19th February 2025 More information>> The FEMA Safeguarding Tomorrow through On-going Risk Mitigation Revolving Loan Fund (Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF) program offers $178 million in funding for hazard mitigation projects at the local government level. This initiative aims to enhance resilience to natural hazards and climate change through low-interest loans. Organization: FEMA Deadline: 30th September 2025 More information>> Call for Nominations: 2025 Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has opened nominations for the prestigious 2025 Sasakawa Award, under the theme “Connecting Science to People: Democratizing Access to Innovation and Technology for Disaster Resilient Communities.” The award recognizes individuals, groups, or institutions that have made significant contributions to building resilience through science and technological solutions for disaster risk reduction. Nominations can be submitted until 28 March 2025. Winners will be announced on 5 June 2025 during the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva. For more information and nomination details, visit the official website. Organization: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Deadline: 28th March 2025 More information>> Upcoming Events Sphere India Secretariat 123, Captain Vijayant Thapar Marg,  Arun Vihar, Sector 37, Noida, Uttar Pradesh (Near Botanical Garden Metro Station) E-mail: in...@sphereindia.org.in Website: www.sphereindia.org.in Copyright © 2025 Sphere India, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are part of Sphere India Network. Our mailing address is: Sphere India,  123, Captain Vijayant Thapar Marg, Arun Vihar, Sector 37, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201303