Bangkok, Thailand – July 26, 2024: The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) held its 5th Board of Trustees (BoT) in Bangkok on 25 July 2024, focusing on the evolving landscape of disaster and climate risks in Asia and the Pacific. The meeting brought together ADPC’s founding members, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, to discuss the ADPC's work to enhance disaster and climate resilience.

Dr. Zheng Guoguang, President, China Association for Disaster Prevention (CADP), China in his opening speech, thanked the BoT members for their continued support to ADPC to secure significant financial support despite the competing global demands for financing. He said, "ADPC is recognised for its work in fostering preparedness, promoting disaster risk reduction, and enhancing climate resilience in reducing the impacts of disasters".

Mr. Rajendra Singh, Member and Head of Department of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, India assumed the Chair of ADPC Board on behalf of Government of India emphasized the critical need for regional collaboration and knowledge sharing. "ADPC’s efforts in building resilient communities have shown remarkable progress. However, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters due to climate change necessitate a more robust and innovative approach”. Mr. Singh sought more engagement from the board members in ADPC’s governance, leadership, and institutional development.

The meeting concluded with the Board approving a plan for the upcoming year, which includes reorganising its management structures, its rules of procedures and programmatic innovations.

The ADPC Board of Trustees reaffirmed their commitment to building a safer and more resilient Asia-Pacific region. The collective insights and decisions from Board's meeting are expected to drive significant advancements in disaster preparedness and response, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development and well-being of communities across the region.

In closing, Mr. Rajendra outlined his three priorities under the India’s Chairship to support ADPC in "developing in-country and regional capacities for managing existing and emerging hazards, trans-boundary cooperation for managing disasters: and readiness for prompt post-disasters recovery.”

ADPC is an international organization dedicated to reducing disaster risks and impacts.