Beyond the Brink: a podcast series on inclusive climate resilience and disaster risk reduction
The growing global challenges of climate change, along with inequality and disaster vulnerability, require innovative solutions that allow marginalised populations to become louder voices in the conversation. launched Beyond The Brink as a podcast series which showcases practitioners alongside academics and community leaders who implement disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate adaptation alongside inclusive resilience practices.
Explore the full series:
About the series
Beyond The Brink seeks to enhance knowledge exchange between professionals, policymakers and communities through the integration of different DRR and climate resilience perspectives. The series examines important challenges and creative approaches for building resilience and decreasing risk as well as managing climate change impacts throughout the world. The program investigates advanced methods that can create a better future for everyone.
About the host
The series is hosted by Lubna Qaryouti who has more than 20 years of expertise in GIS analysis and resilience policy and humanitarian work as a disaster risk reduction and climate change specialist. She has dedicated her career to collaborating with United Nations agencies and international NGOs through her extensive experience. Beyond the Brink serves as a platform where Lubna enables informative discussions which connect scientific research to practical applications and real-world experiences.
Series Relevance to Global Frameworks
This series matches the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) through its main focus on the following priorities:
- Priority 1: Understanding disaster risk
- Priority 2: Strengthening disaster risk governance
- Priority 4: Enhancing disaster preparedness and building back better
The initiative works in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through connections to the following goals:
- SDG 13 - Climate Action
- SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 5 - Gender Equality
- SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions The framework connects local expert insights to global resilience-building initiatives and inclusive disaster governance practices.
Episode Highlights
Episode 1 - Dr. Yong Sebastian Nyam (South Africa)
Economist & DRR Specialist, World Bank Focuses on early warning systems, climate resilience, and the application of AI and remote sensing technologies to reduce disaster vulnerability across Africa.
Episode 2 - Dr. John Bosco Isunju (Uganda)
Public Health Expert, Makerere University Explores the intersection of climate change and public health, including the integration of community-led DRR into health policy in East Africa.
Episode 3 - Dr. Mshelia (Nigeria)
Environmental Management Specialist, DiMTEC Examines natural hazards and food insecurity in Nigeria, highlighting innovative approaches like satellite imagery and food value chain resilience.
Episode 4 - Zaheer Khan (Pakistan)
Disaster Risk Manager, SDMA Provides insight into Pakistan's responses to climate-induced disasters, with a focus on local knowledge, indigenous practices, and sustainable financing.
Episode 5 - Kevin Blanchard (Global)
Policy Advisor and Inclusion Advocate Addresses how climate change exacerbates gender-based violence, and promotes inclusive, community-centered approaches to disaster response and recovery.
Why this series matters
The accelerating climate crisis requires essential viewpoints which global DRR discussions frequently neglect according to Beyond the Brink.
The series presents three essential elements which include:
- Lived experience and practitioner insight from the Global South
- Scalable innovations grounded in local context
- Strategies for inclusive, equity-driven resilience
The podcast weaves together policy expertise with research-based knowledge and personal narratives to offer practical solutions for DRR professionals, researchers and policymakers.
Explore the series
We invite you to listen, reflect and share these powerful conversations that are shaping a more equitable, resilient future for all.