(Phnom Penh): Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, outlined five key priorities to enhance the effectiveness of disaster management efforts and to guide relevant institutions and multilateral partners.

The premier presided over the opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) and related events hosted by Cambodia, on Thursday morning (Oct. 16).

The five priority recommendations include:

1. Enhancing preparedness through improved early warning systems and stronger forecasting capabilities to address ongoing challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and major disasters.
2. Strengthening multi-stakeholder partnerships, engaging the private sector, researchers, and civil society to foster innovation and pool resources.
3. Leveraging technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI), geospatial tools, and data analytics to improve the accuracy and efficiency of disaster response efforts.
4. Enhancing global connectivity by building strategic partnerships between ASEAN and international institutions such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to align strategies with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
5. Promoting knowledge sharing, best practices, and ASEAN’s experiences with other regions, particularly in community-based disaster risk management and cross-border cooperation.

Samdech Thipadei also highly praised the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) for its leadership and oversight in implementing the AADMER Work Programme 2021–2025, as well as the Governing Board of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre) for directing its operations.

He emphasized that both policy-level and operational achievements play a vital role in advancing the goals of the AADMER, aligning with ASEAN leaders’ declarations, the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, and broader socio-cultural strategic plans.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Hun Manet reaffirmed the Royal Government of Cambodia’s strong commitment to working closely with all ASEAN member states and partners to further strengthen regional and international cooperation in disaster risk management and to promote the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
=FRESH NEWS