Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman, as the host and Chair of the 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) in his opening remark at the opening ceremony yesterday, iterated that no one must be left behind in ASEAN’s post-disaster recovery efforts.
He said, “As disasters often affect the most vulnerable, it is critical that ASEAN’s recovery efforts are inclusive, ensuring that all individuals, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are integrated into our plans.”
He added, “Our efforts must also be sustainable, ensuring long-term resilience. Strategic planning for the future is paramount. By integrating disaster risk reduction into our development frameworks, we can enhance preparedness and recovery, fostering a more secure and robust region.”
The minister also expressed ASEAN’s deepest condolences and sympathies to the governments and people of Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, who have been impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yagi.
“Our hearts go out to the families and communities enduring such losses. We stand in solidarity with all those navigating the path to recovery. The event is a stark reminder of the extreme weather challenges we face in our region,” he said.
He also commended ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) for their swift response in deploying DELSA Relief Items to those in need. “Moments like these underscore the importance of our collective commitment to disaster management and regional cooperation. Let us reaffirm our dedication to supporting recovery efforts and building more resilient communities,” he added.
“The theme of this year’s meeting, ‘Building a Resilient ASEAN Through Inclusive and Sustainable Disaster Recovery’ resonates deeply with our collective experiences.
“ASEAN has faced many natural disasters, which have highlighted the need for unified recovery and reconstruction. The exemplary response to Tropical Cyclone Yagi reflects our region’s resilience and shared determination to overcome adversity.
“As ASEAN celebrates 20 years of AMMDM, the milestone symbolises ASEAN’s commitment to disaster management and our shared vision of becoming a global leader in this crucial field. As we convene today, let us reaffirm our collective commitment to strengthening ASEAN, making it inclusive, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” said the minister. – James Kon
