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9th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention

Building Resilience Through Media: For a Cleaner, Greener, and Safer Tomorrow
In the Asia-Pacific region, climate-related hazards and disasters are growing in frequency and intensity, posing urgent threats to lives, infrastructure, and sustainable development. The role of media as a trusted source of information, education, and early warning has never been more critical.
Since 2014, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) has convened its Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention to equip broadcasters with knowledge, tools, and partnerships to respond effectively. The 2025 edition with the theme “Building Resilience Through Media: For a Cleaner, Greener, and Safer Tomorrow” is hosted by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC) in Colombo, will bring together media leaders, climate and disaster response authorities, scientists, and civil society to accelerate joint action for resilience.
The Summit builds on ABU’s long-standing Media Saving Lives initiative, which empowers broadcasters to play a frontline role in disaster risk reduction. Through training, co-productions, and sharing of best practices, this initiative has supported media organisations in:

  • Delivering life-saving early warnings during natural hazards such as cyclones, floods, and tsunamis.
  • Educating communities on preparedness measures and sustainable practices that reduce disaster risks.
  • Amplifying local and vulnerable voices, ensuring inclusive coverage that reflects the needs of those most at risk.
  • Forging partnerships between broadcasters, disaster management authorities and partners such as UNESCO, UNDRR, WMO, IFRC, and scientific institutions as IPCC, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and public awareness.
Media has a unique responsibility not only to inform in times of crisis but also to educate audiences about the long-term impacts of climate change. By producing compelling stories, investigative reports, documentaries, and community programming, broadcasters can:

  • Raise public awareness of the causes and consequences of climate change.
  • Encourage behavioural change for sustainable lifestyles.
  • Provide a platform for dialogue between governments, civil society, and citizens on climate resilience.
  • Highlight innovative local solutions that inspire communities across the region.
As part of its commitment to local engagement and climate action, the 2025 Summit will also feature collaboration with "Clean Sri Lanka" — a project that aims to address the cleaner physical environment and reposition the nationwide efforts of environmental, social, and governance initiatives through introducing change, integration and collaboration.

A key highlight will be the official launch of the Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans (DPRP) Model Plan, jointly developed by ABU and UNESCO. This structured framework will enable broadcasters to integrate resilience into their editorial, operational, and policy practices — ensuring that media continues to save lives and safeguard communities.

Adding to the significance of the event, the Gala of the ABU Together for People, Planet, Peace (T4P) Media Awards will take place on 26 November 2025, celebrating outstanding productions that inspire climate action, peacebuilding, and social resilience.

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Date & Time:

November 25, 2025 - November 27, 2025
HOST:
Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC)
CONTACT:

Nargiza Numanova

nargiza@abu.org.my

Mount Lavinia Hotel

100 Hotel Rd, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sri Lanka

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