ADMiR Participates in Global Earthquake Risk Reduction Dialogue in China

2025-07-20

President of the African Seismological Commission Calls for Stronger Cooperation and Innovation in Seismic Monitoring

Prof. Mohamed ElGabry, President of the African Seismological Commission (AfSC) and Director of the African Disaster Mitigation Research Center (ADMiR), participated in the International Symposium on Earthquake Forecasting commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Haicheng M7.3 earthquake. The event was held in conjunction with the 4th Belt and Road Seismic Risk Reduction Coordinators’ Meeting, hosted by the China Earthquake Administration (CEA).

During the symposium, Prof. ElGabry delivered a keynote intervention highlighting Africa’s unique seismic challenges—from sparse seismic networks to the vulnerability of rapidly growing urban areas. He emphasized the urgent need for affordable, secure, and adaptable earthquake monitoring solutions, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure.

“As seismic risks increase globally, we must ensure that capacity building and cross-regional collaboration—especially for early career researchers—remain at the heart of our mission,” he noted. His remarks resonated with the event’s broader call for enhanced international cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.

On the sidelines of the symposium, Prof. ElGabry held high-level meetings with CEA President and Vice President, as well as directors of international cooperation and scientific institutes. These meetings marked a significant step toward establishing a long-term cooperation program between China and Africa. The envisioned program will focus on joint earthquake disaster risk reduction (DRR) research, expert exchange, training, and capacity building initiatives.

Prof. ElGabry extended his gratitude to the China Earthquake Administration, IASPEI, IUGG, and international colleagues for their unwavering commitment to building a safer, more resilient world through scientific collaboration.

“In unity through science and solidarity, we can strengthen resilience across continents and protect lives in the face of natural hazards,” he concluded.