Brunei Darussalam remains steadfast in its commitment to disaster risk reduction, as highlighted by Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman during his address at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024.
The minister shared the country’s dedication to fulfilling the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, aligning with Brunei’s national objectives to enhance resilience through the implementation of various strategies.
In his statement, the minister emphasised efforts to empower local leaders and communities through public awareness programmes aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness. He underscored the significance of building community capacity by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to respond to and recover from disasters. The minister highlighted the importance of collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, civil society and the public to achieve Brunei Vision 2035 goals.
APMCDRR 2024, held from October 14 to 17 in Manila, the Philippines was co-hosted by the government of the Philippines and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
The conference, which takes place every two years, provided a platform to discuss disaster risk reduction strategies, share innovative ideas, and strengthen commitments to achieving regional goals by 2030.
This year’s theme, ‘Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction’, focused on three core areas: sustainable investment, improving disaster risk reduction strategies, and early warning systems with anticipatory action.
Discussions also centred on inclusive governance, encouraging participation from all segments of society, including youth and people with special needs.
The minister also highlighted the significance of 2024 as the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami. ASEAN member nations, including Brunei, will host commemorative events, with Brunei chairing the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) later this year.
Additionally, ASEAN ministers issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the Sendai Framework and advocating for continued efforts to strengthen regional disaster resilience, in line with the ASEAN SHIELD initiative endorsed by leaders in 2021.
On the sidelines of the conference, the minister held separate meetings with Vice Minister for Policy Coordination of Japan’s Cabinet Office Hara Hiroaki and Secretary of National Defence of the Philippines Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo Conjuangco Teodoro Jr.
Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in disaster management, with Japan emphasising the use of technology to bolster resilience through initiatives such as the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The meeting with the Philippines highlighted the need for cooperation in disaster preparedness, particularly concerning hydrometeorological hazards.
Brunei Darussalam’s delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Disaster Management Centre. – Fadley Faisal
