Virtual, Global 01-03 December 2020
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UR2020 was the 10-year anniversary of UR.
The Forum pivoted from in-person to online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
UR2020 welcomed 6,344 registrants from 182 countries.
Registration is open
Call for Proposals is open
Registration is open
Call for Proposals is open
The Understanding Risk Global Forum 2026 (UR26)
Founded by GFDRR in 2010, the Understanding Risk (UR) Community has been advancing global resilience by sharing cutting-edge technologies, knowledge, and best practices. Today, the community has grown to over 13,000 members, spans over 190 countries and includes over 4,600 organizations — from governments, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to NGOs, academia, research bodies, community groups, and civil society.
The deadline for the Call for Proposals has been extended to April 30, 2026, and early bird registration is now available through July 31, 2026.
Agenda at a Glance
UR26 will take place over five days, combining technical sessions, keynotes, and plenary discussions to foster learning, exchange, and collaboration across the disaster risk management community. The program will feature in-depth technical sessions and focus days led by practitioners and experts, alongside high-level keynotes and plenaries that frame global challenges, emerging trends, and strategic priorities for risk-informed development.
UR26 Thematic Pillars
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Technology for Resilience
- Sustainability, Climate Action & Environmental Resilience
- Preparedness, Response & Future-Ready Systems
- Disaster Recovery & the Disaster–Conflict Nexus
- Human-Centered Resilience & Risk Communication
- Risk Financing, Business Continuity & Economic Resilience
UR26 introduces Risk Resonance, a special one-day symposium dedicated to innovation and creativity in risk communication. Held in memory of Pablo Suárez.
UR Expo Area
The UR Exhibition area continues to grow as a key space for exchange and innovation. UR24 hosted the largest Expo area to date, bringing together 45 national and international institutions and showcasing their latest in cutting edge technologies, cultural experiences, demonstrations and solutions that extend beyond the event itself.
UR26 is expanding the exhibition area, is a place to connect and expand your networks, for further information please contact the team.
About Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi provides a strong setting for hosting the Understanding Risk Forum 2026, reflecting its leadership in climate action, innovation, and resilience planning. With advanced infrastructure, investments in data, technology, and early warning systems, and experience addressing extreme heat, water security, and rapid urban growth, the city offers practical lessons for risk-informed development in arid and coastal environments.
Previous UR Forums
Since UR’s inception, we have hosted 30 global, regional and thematic forums uniting experts and communities through science, creativity, and collaboration. Browse past UR Forums to explore over a decade of ideas, innovation, and resilience in action. What previous forum highlights.
UR20
UR22Florianopolis, Brazil 18 November – 02 December 2022
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UR22 took place in multiple locations to reflect the worldwide identity of UR and highlight this vibrant global community.
The UR satellites ran in parallel in different corners of the world, offering in person activities for regional attendees.
UR24Himeji City, Japan 16 – 21 June 2024
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UR24 Himeji+ was the largest Understanding Risk Global Forum to date with more than 1,700 attendees arriving in Himeji City. UR24 was a true platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in disaster risk management.
Previous UR Partners
The UR Community extends its sincere thanks to all partners who have supported its work over the past 16 years, without their contributions, the community would not exist. We are deeply grateful for their continued support, and we welcome new partners interested in collaborating on UR26. Please contact the team via the link below for more information.
