Brunei Darussalam’s Commitment to Strengthening Disaster Management Highlighted at ASEAN Meetings
Phnom penh: Brunei Darussalam remains committed to strengthening its disaster management system through comprehensive approaches involving both the government and the nation. This commitment includes aligning national efforts with regional and global frameworks such as the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This was emphasized by the Minister of Home Affairs, who led the Brunei delegation at the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM), the 14th Conference of Parties of the AADMER, and related meetings with ASEAN Dialogue Partners, including China, Japan, and South Korea, recently held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
According to Radio Television Brunei, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman shared several significant developments in Brunei’s disaster management sector. The ASEAN Disaster Management and Emergency Relief (ADMER) Fund was highlighted as a crucial financial support mechanism for implementing the AADMER 2026-2030 Work Programme. Discussions also focused on strengthening regional disaster resilience through ASEAN strategic priorities and enhancing the ADMER Fund. Additionally, there were calls for more systematic collaboration between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.
The meeting saw the adoption of the ASEAN Ministerial Statement on the 20 Years of the AADMER. It further refined the role of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) and reinforced the principle of ‘One ASEAN, One Response.’ With the theme ’20 Years of the AADMER: ASEAN Vision for Global Leadership in Disaster Resilience,’ the meeting served as a regional platform to strengthen collaboration, preparedness, and disaster response in the ASEAN region.
The Minister of Home Affairs, along with other ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Disaster Management, also paid a goodwill visit to His Excellency Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, at the Peace Palace. During the visit, Yang Berhormat updated the Prime Minister on the latest developments in AMMDM activities, major initiatives, and the vital role of the AHA Centre in providing humanitarian support and serving as the operational engine of AADMER. The strategic direction for AMMDM under Brunei Darussalam’s chairmanship in 2024 was also discussed.