On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced that India has officially taken over as the Chair of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC). This leadership role follows the end of China's tenure. The transition highlights India's growing influence in the field of disaster management and its commitment to enhancing regional and global disaster risk reduction efforts.
Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has increasingly taken on a significant role in disaster risk reduction (DRR). The country has spearheaded several global initiatives aimed at improving disaster resilience, one of the most notable being the establishment of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). This coalition focuses on developing infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters and climate impacts.
Representing the Indian government, Rajendra Singh, a member and Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), officially assumed the role of Chair of the ADPC for the 2024-25 term. This transition took place in Bangkok on Thursday. Singh’s appointment reflects India's growing leadership in disaster preparedness and response.
The ADPC, an autonomous international organisation, plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation and implementing strategies for disaster risk reduction across Asia and the Pacific.
The centre focuses on building climate resilience and managing disaster risks in the region, which includes India and its eight neighbouring countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
In addition to taking over the chairmanship, India also led the 5th Board of Trustees meeting of the ADPC on July 25 in Bangkok. This meeting was an opportunity for India to set the agenda for the coming year and further solidify its role in regional disaster management efforts.
India’s new leadership position at the ADPC underscores its commitment to improving disaster preparedness and resilience across the Asia-Pacific region. By steering the ADPC’s initiatives, India aims to enhance collaborative efforts to mitigate the impact of disasters and ensure a more resilient future for the region.
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