ISSUE 17 FEBRUARY 2006

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center celebrates its 20 year anniversary in 2006. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all its partner institutions, national governments, numerous UN organizations and other international organizations for their collaboration and support to ADPC during the past two decades. The work of all stakeholders in disaster management, including ADPC staff and alumni have contributed to making communities and countries better prepared, safer, and more resilient in face of disasters. ADPC is proud to have been a pioneer in some of the significant changes-in paradigm, concepts, and practices paving the way to reduction of the impacts of natural disasters.

ADPC was established in 1986 under late Colonel Brian Ward’s illustrious leadership to address the disaster management needs of countries in Asia. In its twenty years ADPC responded dynamically to the paradigm shift in disaster management, readily and actively adjusting its operational strengths to address the evolving developments in disaster risk management by structuring its technical focus on climate risk management, disaster management systems, urban disaster risk management and

20 years of commitment to safer communities and sustainable development through disaster reduction

public health in emergencies. This vigorous and comprehensive approach is further reinforced by ensuring that ADPC’s projects and programs enhance institutional capacities, apply community-based disaster risk management practices, and promote and support mainstreaming of disaster management into the development processes. These activities complement ADPC’s involvement in building national and provincial disaster management systems, identifying disaster risk management needs, and developing strategic solutions. ADPC’s standing and twenty years of experience in the region is confirmed by the substantive encouragement and support from various multi-lateral and bi-lateral development and donor agencies; as manifested in the implementation of our extensive array of projects and programs.

As it moves forward beyond its twenty years of operations, ADPC will continue to build upon its operational and technical strengths and to evolve in its role as a regional resource center, and to act as a regional early warning center. ADPC will further pursue operational partnerships and collaborations with all stakeholders in disaster risk management into sustainable development policies and practices throughout the Asia and Pacific regions.

In closing, permit me to express my gratitude to our staff and consultants who have shared commitment, dedication and loyalty to ADPC’s goals and mission.

As its Executive Director, it is my honor to be part of this fine organization. I am confident that ADPC will continue to be responsive to the priorities of our key stakeholders in governments and the international community overcoming challenges to serve the region and beyond.