[ Abstract ]

I will take this occasion to propose another level of integration for disaster risk governance. Based on my three-decade-long field-based research, together with the ever-increasing complexity of disasters and societal dynamics, I will address the need for an innovative design approach based on community-focused systemic thinking. Some illustrations will be made, and further research themes suggested.

[ Bio ]

Dr. Norio OKADA received B.D. (1970), M.Eng. (1972), and Dr. Eng. (1977), all from Kyoto University. He also received honoris causa of Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Canada (1995).

He currently serves as adviser to the Institute of Disaster Area Revitalization, Regrowth and Governance at Kwansei Gakuin University in Nishinomiya, Japan. He is also visiting professor of Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan. He is Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University where he also served as Director of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI). He is Founding President of the International Society for Integrated Disaster Risk Management (IDRiM Society), and former President of the Japan Society for Natural Disaster Science. He specializes in disaster risk governance, infrastructure planning and management, sustainable development, conflict management, and community-based participatory approach. Dr. Okada’s current research themes include adaptive design of human-based resilient and sustainable communities under Persistent Disruptive Stressors (PDSs) and strategic participatory approach for Building Back Better, even Before Disasters.