ASEAN enhances disaster management

The ASEAN High-Level Symposium on Disaster Management was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 26-27 with the presence of delegates from ASEAN member countries as well as the bloc’s partner countries, regional and international organisations.

ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi

Speaking at the opening ceremony, ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi said the event is another contribution to the ASEAN Community building efforts as it provides a platform for experts, managers, and policymakers to exchange views and ideas on pertinent issues related to disaster management.

As ASEAN member states are located in disaster-prone areas, the association should intensify cooperation and advance the regional mechanisms in place to ensure effectiveness in tackling disaster management efforts, he said.

The symposium aims to facilitate better disaster management efforts through six thematic discussions, focusing on disaster policymaking in Southeast Asia, early warning system and effective response operations through advanced technology and innovations, strengthening community resilience, advancing disaster risk financing and insurance, and bridging global and regional partnership on disaster management.

Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups 10 member countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./.

VNA