Reflecting on APMCDRR 2024: ADRRN’s Continued Commitment to Building a Resilient Asia-Pacific
Celebrating collaboration, community leaders, and a shared vision for a resilient Asia-Pacific at this important regional platform.
The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 was more than an event; it was a powerful demonstration of collaboration, co-creation, and collective ambition to drive disaster resilience across our region. As the APMCDRR concluded, we want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to making this gathering impactful. Together, we reaffirmed our shared vision of creating a resilient Asia-Pacific, a vision at the core of ADRRN’s 2030 Strategy.
For ADRRN, opportunities like APMCDRR hold immense value. They are spaces where ideas are shared, connections are forged, and most importantly, where resilience becomes a lived experience. Preparing for APMCDRR itself was a collaborative journey, one that strengthened our partnerships and expanded our network of colleagues dedicated to the resilience movement. Beyond the outcomes, we value the process — the discussions, reflections, and learning that occur as we prepare and participate in events like these are essential steps towards building a resilient region.
One of the highlights of APMCDRR 2024 was the CSO Consultation. This gathering of Civil Society Organisations was not just a meeting; it was a catalyst for action. Together, we developed the 2024 CSO Commitment to Action, a document that emerged from our consultation and serves as a collective pledge to address vulnerability hotspots across Asia and the Pacific. The Commitment to Action highlights the vital role that CSOs play in advancing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) and underscores the necessity of inclusive, community-led approaches to DRR. By elevating the voices of CSOs, we bring to the forefront the perspectives and solutions that are often closest to the communities impacted by disasters.
Throughout the APMCDRR journey, we were also privileged to identify and celebrate champions within our network. The Asia-Pacific Local Leaders for Disaster Resilience (APLL4DR) Award 2024 shone a spotlight on inspiring local leaders who are making impactful contributions to disaster resilience in their communities. These champions are individuals and organisations leading the way in thematic areas critical to disaster resilience, from mental health and disaster education to nature-based solutions.
We recognise that while not all champions receive formal awards, celebrating their contributions and leadership is essential. By acknowledging the leaders who got awarded and those who didn’t, we promote capacity sharing, which we believe is the key to sustainable progress in disaster resilience for our region.
Our shared vision for a resilient Asia-Pacific is more than an ideal; it is the foundation of a movement that ADRRN passionately believes in. Resilience is not just a strategy; it is a way of life, a collective journey to safeguard our communities against future crises. This shared vision drives us forward and strengthens our resolve to pursue ADRRN’s 2030 Strategy, which envisions a world where resilience is both a goal and a guiding principle.
As we look to the future, we eagerly anticipate our next gathering at the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Week (RHPW) in Bangkok this December. This upcoming event promises to be another opportunity to deepen our conversations, strengthen our collaborations, and connect with those who share our commitment to a resilient Asia-Pacific.
We thank everyone who joined us at APMCDRR 2024, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. Let’s keep pushing forward, sharing knowledge, and building the partnerships needed to create a safe, inclusive, and resilient future for all.