Sanjay Kumar SRIVASTAVA

Biography

Dr. Sanjay K. Srivastava brings over 25 years of strategic leadership in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation across Asia and the Pacific. He has led high-impact initiatives at the intersection of science, policy, and technology, working with national governments, regional bodies like SAARC, and multilateral organizations including the United Nations.

As Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction at the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) from 2014 to 2025, Dr. Srivastava directed the UN’s regional strategy to build resilient systems and communities. He oversaw the development of influential tools such as the Asia-Pacific Disaster Report and the Risk and Resilience Portal, both of which shaped intergovernmental policies and national disaster plans across the region.

A collaborative leader, he has advanced regional partnerships to build integrated early warning systems—blending advanced forecasting, risk analytics, and inclusive outreach to ensure last-mile impact.

His prior leadership roles include:

  • Regional Adviser on Disaster Risk Reduction, ESCAP
  • Head, SAARC Disaster Management Centre, New Delhi
  • Deputy Project Director, ISRO Disaster Management Programme

Dr. Srivastava is widely recognized for innovation and excellence, receiving:

  • ESCAP Innovation Awards (2022, 2024)
  • ISRO Team Excellence Award for space-based disaster support (2008–09)

He has authored over 150 technical and policy publications and served as lead author of flagship UN and WMO reports on climate and disaster risk.

Dr. Srivastava holds a Ph.D. in Remote Sensing, degrees in Physics, and an Executive Certificate in Digital Transformation from the Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley

Speaking at

Renewing Urban Waterways: Scaling NbS through evidence-based strategies in Asian cities

Oct 09 2025 (15:00 - 16:00)

Room: IUCN Asia Pavilion
Renewing Urban Waterways: Scaling NbS through evidence-based strategies in Asian cities
Nature-based Solutions from Landscapes to Cityscapes - Lessons for South Asia

Oct 09 2025 (18:00 - 19:00)

Room: IUCN Asia Pavilion
Nature-based Solutions from Landscapes to Cityscapes - Lessons for South Asia
Harnessing Rivers for Peace and Prosperity: Cooperative Approaches to Resource Governance

Oct 10 2025 (12:00 - 13:00)

Room: IUCN Asia Pavilion
Harnessing Rivers for Peace and Prosperity: Cooperative Approaches to Resource Governance