G20 Science Academies: "Strengthen Disaster Response with AI and Satellite Technology"

Joint statement ahead of summit sets out five priorities, including data sharing and early warning
KAST also took part; to chair S20 in 2028

Science academies in major countries around the world called for broader use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite observations, as well as stronger international cooperation, to address natural disasters that are becoming increasingly severe due to climate change. They said efforts should go beyond technology development and focus on sharing disaster data and strengthening local response capabilities to reduce real-world damage.

The Korea Academy of Science and Technology (KAST) said on November 11 that Science20 (S20), a group of science academies from the Group of 20 (G20), had issued a joint statement calling for these measures. KAST also took part in discussions on drafting the statement and signed it.

List of signatory institutions to the 2026 joint statement released by Science20 (S20), a consultative body of science academies from the Group of 20 (G20). Major science academies around the world, including the Korea Academy of Science and Technology, joined the statement calling for stronger disaster response capabilities through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite observation, as well as expanded international cooperation. Provided by the Korea Academy of Science and Technology.

The joint statement, led by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS), this year's S20 chair, was officially released at 1 a.m. on November 11 (Korea time). It is scheduled to be delivered to governments ahead of the G20 Summit in Miami, United States, in December.

The statement noted that natural disasters are affecting not only human life and property but also interconnected economic and social systems across countries, including global supply chains and financial markets. As climate change and urbanization increase disaster risks, it said countries need to build international cooperation frameworks that go beyond individual national responses.

It said that although disaster-response technologies such as satellite observations, remote sensing, early warning systems, digital twins, drones, and AI are advancing rapidly, they are not being used sufficiently in the field. Key obstacles include inadequate disaster data and infrastructure, technological and financial disparities between countries, and insufficient cooperation among institutions.

The statement set out five policy priorities to address these challenges: expanding disaster data and strengthening risk forecasting; ensuring safe and equitable access to data and technology; strengthening locally tailored technologies and on-the-ground response capabilities; establishing human-centered decision-making and technology governance frameworks; and expanding the joint development of knowledge and technology through international cooperation.

The statement emphasized the need to secure accurate observational data and continuously improve forecasting models to reflect changing disaster risks. It also highlighted the need to link different data standards used by countries and institutions, and to establish disaster-response systems that can operate even during power outages or communications disruptions.

It also stressed the importance of maintaining human judgment and accountability when using advanced technologies such as AI. Technology should complement, rather than replace, expert judgment, supported by field validation, transparency, and cybersecurity frameworks.

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The statement also proposed shifting international cooperation away from one-way transfers of technology from developed countries and toward jointly developing solutions that reflect the needs and circumstances of local communities.

S20 is a group of science academies from G20 countries that was launched in Germany in 2017. Each year, the science academy of the G20 presidency selects key science and technology issues, prepares a joint statement, and recommends policy directions to governments.

KAST has participated in S20 every year since its launch. It is scheduled to serve as the chair institution in 2028, following the Royal Society in the United Kingdom in 2027.

KAST President Jeong Jinho said, "Natural disasters are a shared challenge for humanity that no country can address on its own. This joint statement emphasizes the need to use technologies and data already available effectively in the field and to strengthen disaster-response capabilities through cooperation among countries." He added, "As the institution that will lead S20 in 2028, KAST will expand cooperation with the global science and technology community and contribute to proposing science and technology priorities and policy alternatives to help solve challenges shared by humanity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.