The Year That Was 2024
This year's highlights from ADRRN
New Beginnings and New Growth
As we prepare to wrap up 2024, we are reflecting on the past year's achievements. We are celebrating the collective efforts that have shaped our journey toward stronger, more resilient communities across the Asia-Pacific.
2024 has been a year of growth and transformation, and we believe this sets the stage for even greater developments in the coming year. We are also delighted about the expansion of our network with new members.
Asia is home to roughly 60% of the world’s population. ADRRN members work across the region to foster inclusion and build resilience. With exciting new developments like the coming together of our dynamic Secretariat team and the launch of the SIDRRA project, we are re-energised in our role as the CSO voice of Asia-Pacific.
This year we strengthened our position as a leading Asian representatives platform through the effective implementation of global frameworks and by foregrounding local knowledge and practices on resilience. 2024 has also been exciting because we got a chance to vitalise our collaborations across the region. Our active participation in the APMCDRR 2024 helped shine the spotlight brighter on the CSOs and local leaders who are doing incredible work to build more resilient communities and are leveraging innovations to prioritise climate action.
Together, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient future — and we invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we continue to drive positive change across the Asia-Pacific in 2025 and beyond!
Watch a film on ADRRN’s journey through the years.
Advancing ADRRN's Impact through Outreach, Connections, and Collaboration
The SIDRRA Project - A Collaborative Approach to Inclusive Disaster Risk Governance
The Strengthening Inclusive Disaster Risk Governance for Climate Resilience in Asia (SIDRRA) project, supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, is a collaborative effort by the International Rescue Committee, Duryog Nivaran, Philippine Business for Social Progress, CWS Japan, and ADRRN. This consortium combines global expertise, regional networks, and community-centred approaches to amplify local voices, build organisational capacity, and foster sustainable, inclusive policies that enhance resilience across the region. The SIDRRA project tackles these challenges by addressing power imbalances, promoting intersectional inclusion, and driving locally-led adaptation efforts.
Advancing Inclusive DRR: ADRRN's Role in Shaping Conversations at APMCDRR 2024
ADRRN played a key role in advancing the conversation on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) this year. As a leading voice for CSOs in the region, ADRRN contributed to high-level dialogues, emphasising the importance of inclusive, locally-driven approaches to DRR that can help communities better prepare for and respond to climate impacts.
A focal point of ADRRN’s participation was the CSO Consultation, which brought together diverse organisations to create the 2024 CSO Commitment to Action.
The Asia Pacific Local Leaders for Disaster Resilience (APLL4DR) Awards also took centre stage at the APMCDRR. Organised in collaboration with ADRRN’s Localisation Hub, SEEDS, the awards recognised exceptional local champions for their work in disaster resilience.
Alongside these events, ADRRN launched the Voices of Resilience – #DRRinAction campaign, spotlighting grassroots innovations and resilience stories from across the region.
Through these initiatives, ADRRN reinforced its commitment to fostering resilience and collaboration across the Asia-Pacific, ensuring that community-led actions continue to shape disaster risk reduction efforts.
ADRRN Presents the Dr. Yuko Kuroda Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship in Community Resilience
The 8th World Society for Disaster Nursing International Conference highlighted innovation and resilience in disaster management. During the occasion, ADRRN proudly presented the Dr. Yuko Kuroda Memorial Award for Entrepreneurship in Community Resilience, recognising outstanding initiatives that strengthen community resilience against disasters. Natsuko Kataoka and Thakchi Sherpa were the two remarkable nurses conferred with the first edition of this award.
Fostering Collaboration for Resilience: ADRRN and Partners Organise the Regional Humanitarian Partnership Workshop 2024
The Regional Humanitarian Partnership Workshop (RHPW) 2024 was designed to facilitate discussions and collaboration among stakeholders in disaster resilience and humanitarian action. This collaborative event was organised by the International Council of Voluntary Agencies, ADRRN, Community World Service Asia, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Held from December 10 to 12 in Bangkok, the conference brought together experts and practitioners from various sectors to exchange knowledge and build partnerships to enhance community-led disaster risk reduction.
The partnership week featured key discussions on how we can better address emerging challenges in humanitarian efforts and how partnerships can strengthen disaster resilience across the Asia-Pacific region. With international participants from CSOs, local communities, and global networks, RHPW was an opportunity to showcase innovative approaches and deepen cross-sector collaboration.
ADRRN’s strategic role in organising the event underscores our priority towards localised DRR efforts, with special emphasis on inclusion, diversity, and effective community engagement.
Highlights from the Annual General Meeting 2024
On December 9th, ADRRN held its highly anticipated Annual General Meeting in Bangkok, bringing together members from across the region for this once-a-year gathering. The meeting served as a pivotal moment to align on ADRRN's strategic objectives and celebrate the network's milestones. The announcement of the election results and the introduction of the new Executive Committee marked an exciting transition for the network.
Welcoming the Newly Elected Executive Committee
Other highlights included the introduction of the Secretariat team to members in person, a detailed overview of the SIDRRA project and its partners, and key updates from the year. New members were welcomed, and there were updates from ADRRN hubs and other functions. Additionally, members were introduced to the Locally-led, Inclusive Climate Adaptation Grant Facility, an important initiative for 2025 that underscores ADRRN’s commitment to empowering communities and fostering resilience across the region.
Meet the ADRRN Secretariat
Get to know the dynamic members of ADRRN's Secretariat, each bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to strengthen our mission for disaster resilience in the Asia-Pacific.
Highlights from ADRRN Hubs
CWS Japan led Tokyo Innovation Hub supported 20 new innovations, bringing the total to 57 under the Community Led Innovation Partnership (CLIP) initiative. The Hub emphasises the importance of measuring and communicating the impact of community-led innovations to mainstream such actions regionally and internationally while planning for geographical expansion through potential country-level partnerships.
Mercy Malaysia led Disaster Response Preparedness Hub, Malaysia actively contributed to the MERCY Malaysia International Humanitarian Conference 2024 as speakers for key sessions.
SEEDS led Localisation Hub, India focused on empowering grassroots CSOs through “Disaster Ready” training, developing an encyclopedia of localised humanitarian terms and fostering direct funding pathways for local organisations to enhance resilience. In 2025, the Hub aims to create a regional knowledge platform addressing emerging challenges.
CWSA led Quality and Accountability Hub, Pakistan continues to prioritise enhancing regional capacities through its annual Training of Trainers on Quality and Accountability to Affected Populations.
NSET led Earthquake Risk Management Hub, Nepal contributed to the successful completion of the Tomorrow's Cities project, delivering DRR training for experts in Taiwan, and conducting Geospatial Information Management training with Map Action. Collaborative research with SAJAG further strengthened its impact.
HAI led Drone Hub aims to transform disaster management in the Asia-Pacific by using drone technology to build disaster resilience. Activities include a comprehensive database of organizations in India and the Pacific working on drone applications. Future plans include an annual forum and joint projects with ADRRN members for cross-border cooperation.
CDP led Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CBDRRM) Hub, Philippines continues to advance disaster resilience through its annual regional Training of Trainers on Quality and Accountability to Affected Populations.
Welcoming Our New Members
The network is enriched as more organisations join the movement as members. These are the organisations who joined our network this year. We take this opportunity to welcome them onboard.
Hamraah Foundation, established on July 3, 2003, is dedicated to promoting quality education and holistic development for underprivileged children in India.
Kurram Welfare Home, established in 2009, is dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities across Pakistan through initiatives in education, economic empowerment, and health.
Sukaar Foundation is a humanitarian organisation based in Pakistan, dedicated to transforming lives through sustainable solutions in WASH, food security, livelihood development, and community empowerment.
words. rhythms. images is a creative agency based in India dedicated to providing innovative communication solutions for social issues, with a strong emphasis on storytelling as a tool for social change.