3rd ASEAN-ICRC joint platform focuses on adaptation to the evolving ‘riskscape’ in ASEAN and beyond

Jakarta, 24 June 2021 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) emphasised the need for collective adaptability in the face of evolving disaster risk landscape within and beyond the region at the 3rd ASEAN-ICRC Platform.

The event, which was held virtually from 23-24 June 2021, was attended by representatives of the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM), the ASEAN Secretariat, the ICRC, relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, affiliated institutions and Dialogue Partners, as well as members of local and international humanitarian organisations.

The platform provides an opportunity for policy-makers and experts to discuss sustainable disaster management and humanitarian actions. In this third iteration, participants exchanged views and perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic, natural and human-induced disasters, effective coordinated responses, and sustainable humanitarian financing.

"ASEAN recognises the need to strengthen regional capacities and to prepare for a range of hazards and disaster risks faced by the region," said Commissioner of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Chair of the ACDM Eric Yap. "To achieve this aim, it is crucial to harness both traditional and non-traditional resources in disaster management to minimise the hardship and sufferings when disaster strikes," he added.

"Our region is experiencing rapid economic growth, growing population and increased urbanisation. In addition to the reverberating impacts of climate change, the ever-changing landscape of disasters risks has become even more complex," said Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi.

"With the vision of becoming the global leader in disaster management, it is imperative for us to inculcate a forward-thinking mindset in anticipation of future challenges and emerging trends."

"The dynamics of multi-layered crises are complex — protracted conflicts, natural and human-induced disasters — and the recent economic pressures of the pandemic are creating insurmountable humanitarian challenges," said President of the ICRC Peter Maurer. "It is clear that traditional approaches to aid will not yield sufficient solutions. We need to reinforce a multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral and collective approach to humanitarian action. We need to join forces in harnessing innovation and ensuring that public and private investment capital creates measurable impact for affected people."

The platform discussed issues related to innovative humanitarian funding and humanitarian actions in complex emergencies. The first session explored the possibility offered by the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southeast Asia to spearhead innovation in the areas of humanitarian funding and development responses. The second session focused on the reality of administering humanitarian aid amidst multi-faceted and complex crises, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.