Huddle discusses regional cooperation to cope with disasters

ISLAMABAD: In a step towards building a more resilient South Asia, leading experts from across the region convened for a day-long roundtable discussion titled “Rethinking Disaster Risk Management in South Asia” at the Islamabad on January 17, 2024.

The event, co-organised by the Centre for Strategic and Contemporary Research (CSCR) and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS RECAP), served as a platform for in-depth analysis of existing challenges and the formulation of concrete steps towards enhanced regional cooperation in disaster-preparedness’ and response.

Former Senator Nisar Memon was the keynote speaker at the conference. He emphasised the importance of discussing man-made climate change and its resulting disasters and appreciated the collaboration between the two organisations. He hoped that the discussions would lead to action.

Three thematic panels over the day engaged in insightful discussions across.

The panel ‘A Synergistic Approach to Disaster Risk Governance’ emphasised the need for robust national frameworks, enhanced coordination among government agencies, and improved resource allocation to address current limitations in disaster risk governance across South Asia.

Similarly, second panel ‘educing Disaster Risk – Sustainable National Practice’ showcased successful indigenous practices and best practices implemented in various countries, highlighting the potential for knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration in areas such as flood protection, landslide prevention, and early warning systems.

Another Panel ‘Entry Points for Regional Cooperation on Disaster Risk Management’ explored potential avenues for regional cooperation, including leveraging platforms like SAARC and SCO, mobilising international support mechanisms, and establishing emergency funds and relief forces.

The roundtable yielded several significant outcomes, including a comprehensive understanding of the existing challenges and gaps in disaster risk management across South Asia, Identification of successful national practices and potential areas for knowledge sharing and cross-border collaboration and Development of concrete recommendations for enhanced regional cooperation, including the establishment of regional frameworks, funding mechanisms, and emergency response systems.