Natural disasters are projected to increase in many regions of the world due to the growing exposure of human activities, combined with increased vulnerability and the projected increase in frequency and intensity, and the effects of climate change and global warming. To combat disasters, university network is gaining importance as it plays a proactive role in disaster risk reduction. University has the capacity to educate, research and bring stakeholders together to share experiences, increase the knowledge base and Facilitate improved decision-making for policy and practice since the university is the center of excellence with regard to research and in disseminating research outputs to end users. This desktop research identifies the role of networking in various risk reduction approaches carried out by university and other stakeholders. It illustrates the example of disaster resilient habitat and rainwater harvesting where the university provided key interventions to reduce disaster impacts. In conclusion, this paper formulates and provides a model for strengthening of networking of universities to build disaster resilient coastal communities. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.