Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening disaster risk reduction and resilience in the region.
In their joint statement for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024, member states expressed appreciation for the leadership demonstrated by the Philippines in co-organizing the conference with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
“We are determined to speed up our efforts to strengthen disaster risk reduction in the region towards realizing a disaster-resilient ASEAN Community,” it said.
The statement also emphasizes the full implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), and regional frameworks that address disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and inclusivity.
“We are dedicated to executing the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2021-2025, which has been aligned with the SFDRR. We will leverage the Midterm Review of the SFDRR and implement the Asia Pacific Action Plan 2024-2027 to further enhance disaster risk reduction and build disaster resilience in the ASEAN region,” the statement continued.
The joint statement highlights key actions such as:
- Enhancing disaster risk reduction financing and innovative funding mechanisms.
- Ensuring no one is left behind in resilience building, with special attention to vulnerable groups.
- Strengthening local capacities and promoting rural and urban resilience.
- Leveraging science, technology, and innovation for disaster management.
- Encouraging partnerships with various stakeholders, including the private sector.
ASEAN also emphasizes its role as a global leader in disaster management and aims to contribute to international efforts in disaster resilience.
