Japan and ASEAN Forge Stronger Ties for Disaster Resilience

November 15, 2023

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In a significant step toward enhancing disaster management capabilities in the ASEAN region, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) recently formalized their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Intent (MoI).

This move, witnessed by Japanese government officials, including State Minister of the Cabinet Office Horii Manabu, took place on October 12 during a side event of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management held in Ha Long, Viet Nam.

The MoI aims to strengthen cooperation on disaster management, including the operation of the disaster information management system. Notably, the collaboration addresses the urgent need for enhancements in “risk information, forecasting, and early warning systems,” as emphasized in the Ha Long Ministerial Statement on the Strengthening of ASEAN Anticipatory Action in Disaster Management, adopted during the meeting.

A scene from the MoI signing ceremony at the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management
Source: JICA

The ASEAN region, much like Japan, faces frequent natural disasters, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons, resulting in substantial damage. Reflecting on the devastating events of the past, including the 2004 megaquake off the coast of Sumatra Island, Indonesia, and subsequent disasters like the cyclone in Myanmar in 2008 and Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines in 2013, there is a pressing need for collaborative efforts to build resilience.

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JICA, leveraging its expertise in Japanese disaster risk reduction, has historically provided bilateral cooperation in ASEAN countries like Indonesia, Viet Nam, and the Philippines. This cooperation includes formulating disaster prevention plans, developing infrastructure, and cultivating human resources to enhance the disaster prevention capabilities of member nations.

The signing of the MoI with the AHA Centre marks a pivotal shift from primarily bilateral cooperation to a more comprehensive approach. JICA envisions supporting the creation of a disaster management network that unifies ASEAN as one region. The focus is not only on mitigating the impact of disasters but also on fostering deeper integration within ASEAN.

To achieve this goal, JICA plans to increase human resource exchanges and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and experience between Japan and the ASEAN region in the realm of disaster management.

The overarching objective is to strengthen human and knowledge connectivity in the ASEAN region, creating a more resilient community capable of effectively responding to and recovering from disasters.

As 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation, JICA is committed to further deepening its partnership with ASEAN. Through industry-academia-government collaboration, the aim is to create a disaster-resilient region for future generations.

Looking toward the next 50 years, this collaboration stands as a testament to the enduring commitment to regional cooperation and the shared vision of building a safer and more secure ASEAN.

Source: BusinessWorld, JICA