This briefing note focuses on disaster risk management as an information-hungry set of activities for protecting the public’s welfare and promoting sustainable development. Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), particularly computer and Web-based digital technologies, are used to connect the decision maker or actor to the sources of information, and to analyze these in order to know what to do or what to avoid. A framework is provided to guide the audience through the flow of information among the disaster risk management activities of mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery.

This briefing note is drawn from the ninth module of the Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders (Academy). The Academy is a comprehensive ICT for development training curriculum that aims to equip policymakers with the essential knowledge and skills to fully leverage opportunities presented by ICTs to achieve national development goals and bridge the digital divide.