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.
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 introduces Risk Resonance, a special one-day symposium dedicated to innovation and creativity in risk communication. Held in memory of Pablo Suárez.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights - Watch more
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.
Highlights - Watch more
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 inperson activities for regional attendees.
Highlights - Watch more
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.
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.
A: UR26 will take place 19-23 October 2026 in Abu Dhabi at the ADNEC Centre
A: UR26 will be an in-person event.
A: UR26 will be a 5-day event. Day 1 (Oct 19): Opening Ceremony in the afternoon; Day 2&3 (Oct 20-21) Plenaries and Technical Sessions; Day 4 (Oct 22) Focus Day events, Risk Resonance Symposium and Closing Ceremony; Day 5 (Oct 23) Focus Day events (by invitation only) and Field Trips.
A: Technical Sessions will happen on Oct 20 and 21. They are 90 minutes long and must meet certain criteria of diversity and audience engagement. Technical Sessions are either moderated presentations, fireside chats or panel discussions. They must incorporate the UR26 theme “Resilient Futures: Harnessing Technology and Nature for Next-Generation Disaster Risk Management into the session in some way.
A: Focus Day events will happen on Oct 22 and 23 and are community-based sessions organized independently by the session organizer(s). Focus Day events can be 2h, 4h, full-day or two-day events. The UR Team only manages logistics for the Focus Day events. The format can include challenge-focused workshops, hackathons, training, launches of books, reports and initiatives, innovation demos, meetings and seminars, and more.
A: The Risk Resonance Symposium is a special one-day event dedicated to innovation and creativity in risk communication. Held in memory of Pablo Suárez, this symposium will explore emerging technologies, creative practices, and new frontiers in communication — and how they can transform the way risk is understood and acted upon.
A: The call for proposals opens on February 02, 2026, and will close on March 30, 2026.
A: The call for proposals will close on March 30, 2026.
A: Everybody is invited to submit a session proposal for UR26. Please note that for Technical Sessions, some specific requirements must be met. Please refer to the Guidelines for Session Leads/Organizers for more detailed information regarding the criteria for Technical Sessions and Focus Day events.
A: We will notify all proposal submitters in early May 2026 if their session has been accepted.
A: Registration will open on February 02, 2026.
A: Yes, there will be a small registration fee to cover part of the costs for food and beverage.
A: Available tickets are:
A: Unfortunately, at this stage we are not in the position to offer any scholarships, but we are working hard to get new partners on board who will be able to sponsor scholarships in the next future.
A: Yes, interpretation for English and Arabic will be provided during the Ceremonies and Plenaries.
A: Yes, the Ceremonies and Plenaries will be streamed live via our dedicated channels.
