Latest news with #AADMER
Barnama
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
ASEAN, Dialogue Partners Reaffirm Commitment To Climate Action And Disaster Resilience
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners have reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing regional cooperation on climate action, environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, in line with Malaysia's Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability.' This shared commitment was underscored in the ASEAN Chairman's Statement issued following the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions held in Kuala Lumpur from July 10 to 11, 2025. ASEAN's Dialogue Partners are Australia, Canada, China, the European Union (EU), India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America (US). bootstrap slideshow ASEAN welcomed the continued support from its Dialogue Partners in advancing regional efforts on climate action and environmental sustainability, which remain among the region's most pressing issues. The meetings also looked forward to enhanced cooperation in key areas such as green growth, transboundary haze pollution, marine pollution, climate change, biodiversity conservation, water resources management, waste management, environmental education, sustainable consumption and production, and the development of sustainable cities. ASEAN also encouraged collaboration through its centres of excellence, such as the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC), the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACCTHPC), the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), the ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue (ACSDSD), and the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre (ASMC), in supporting regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development. In light of growing concerns over natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, typhoons and floods, ASEAN underscored the importance of strengthened disaster management cooperation with its Dialogue Partners. ASEAN expressed appreciation for the continued support towards the implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme (AWP) 2021–2025, particularly in strengthening the capacity of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) and enhancing regional emergency response mechanisms. The Meetings welcomed ongoing collaboration in key areas such as early warning systems, disaster prevention and mitigation, risk assessment and monitoring, response, and recovery efforts.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN and partners commit to climate action and disaster resilience
KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN and its Dialogue Partners have reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation on climate action, environmental sustainability, and disaster resilience. This aligns with Malaysia's Chairmanship theme of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' as stated in the ASEAN Chairman's Statement following the Post-Ministerial Conference (PMC) 10+1 Sessions held from July 10 to 11, 2025. The Dialogue Partners, including Australia, Canada, China, the EU, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, the UK, and the US, pledged continued support for ASEAN's climate and environmental initiatives. Key areas of focus include green growth, transboundary haze pollution, marine pollution, and sustainable urban development. ASEAN highlighted the role of its specialised centres, such as the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change (ACCC) and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre), in driving regional sustainability efforts. The bloc also emphasised the need for stronger disaster management cooperation, particularly in early warning systems and emergency response. The meetings reviewed progress under the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Programme 2021–2025 and looked ahead to the upcoming 2026–2030 framework. ASEAN also celebrated milestones in partnerships, including the ASEAN-South Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-New Zealand relations. Trilateral meetings with Sectoral Dialogue Partners—Brazil, Norway, Switzerland, and Türkiye—focused on strengthening collaboration with ASEAN. The full statement is available on the ASEAN website. - Bernama
Malaysian Reserve
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Malaysian Reserve
ASEAN boosts social resilience with focus on skills, climate, and care economy
by AUFA MARDHIAH ASEAN is stepping up efforts to build a more inclusive and people-centred region by investing in human development, health, culture and climate resilience under the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) pillar. In a joint communiqué following the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the bloc reaffirmed its focus on data-driven policymaking and collaboration across sectors. This includes the rollout of a new platform on the care economy. 'It will explore the valuation of care work, the implications of demographic shifts, and the development of sustainable care policies,' it said. Ministers also expressed strong support for growing ASEAN's cultural and creative economy. They welcomed the new sustainability framework for creative industries and looked forward to adopting the Melaka Declaration. 'Cultural heritage has the potential to promote economic growth, social cohesion, cultural preservation and sustainability,' it said. Addressing the growing concerns over disinformation, ASEAN reiterated its commitment to building a safer digital environment. The communiqué noted regional efforts to 'strengthen ASEAN's cohesion and mutual understanding, enhance cooperation in combating fake news and disinformation, and promote the safe and responsible use of social media platforms.' On future skills, Malaysia is leading the ASEAN Year of Skills 2025. The region is also expanding green jobs training and preparing a ministerial action plan to help workers adapt to rapid changes in labour markets, especially through AI and sustainability-focused upskilling. The bloc also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migrant workers, pledging to promote fair recruitment and better reintegration systems, while acknowledging 'the principle of shared and balanced responsibilities of the receiving and sending ASEAN Member States.' Health security remained a priority, with ASEAN aiming to improve regional drug and vaccine self-reliance under the ASEAN Declaration of Commitment on Drug Security and Self-Reliance. It also supported wider access to diagnostics and efforts to tackle malnutrition and ageing through nutrition plans and active ageing strategies. On disaster preparedness, ASEAN committed to strengthening the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) framework and continuing humanitarian support through the AHA Centre. Ministers commended the centre's rapid response following the March 2025 earthquake in Myanmar. 'It played a vital role in coordinating humanitarian assistance, supporting and facilitating relief operations, and ensuring timely and effective humanitarian response,' they said. The communiqué also emphasised stronger regional climate action, including the operationalisation of the ASEAN Centre for Climate Change and preparing a joint statement ahead of COP30. 'We reaffirmed our collective commitment to jointly addressing the global challenge of climate change,' it said. Other focus areas include gender equality, disability inclusion, child protection and rural development. The ASEAN Villages Network and the One Village One Product initiative were highlighted as efforts to reduce urban-rural disparities and boost community-based growth. The bloc is also preparing a declaration on future-ready public service, aiming to make ASEAN governance more digital, ethical and people-centric. These efforts reflect ASEAN's long-term vision for a united, resilient and sustainable community by 2045.
CNA
13-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
How Newcastle graduates are shaping the future across borders and industries
In the devastating wake of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that claimed more than 200,000 lives across Southeast Asia and beyond, Mr Anwar Abdullah and his colleagues from the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management moved swiftly into action. To strengthen regional cooperation on disaster prevention, preparation, response and recovery, they spearheaded the creation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). As he helped manage the intense discussions and negotiations among all 10 ASEAN member nations, Mr Anwar drew on skills he first developed during his undergraduate studies at the University of Newcastle, Australia, from which he graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours). Ranked among the world's top 40 institutions according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, the University of Newcastle established its Asia-Pacific hub in Singapore in 2006. The Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education partners local and regional organisations and institutions to deliver high-quality academic programmes and drive transformative research. 'The university's focus on global citizenship, critical thinking and inclusive leadership gave me the intellectual foundation and interpersonal skills that shaped my work with ASEAN and on the international stage, particularly during the negotiation and eventual ratification of AADMER in 2009,' Mr Anwar shared. Mr Anwar's contributions to AADMER are just one example of how Newcastle graduates are making a difference across borders and industries. As the University of Newcastle celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025 – alongside SG60 and six decades of strong ties between Australia and Singapore – its alumni continue to push boundaries, creating new opportunities that advance excellence, sustainability and equity at home and around the world. LEARNING TO LEAD IN THE REAL WORLD Mr Anwar, who is currently CEO of credits his leadership learning at the University of Newcastle for his successful career as deputy commissioner in the Singapore Civil Defence Force and chief executive of the Home Team Academy (HTA), a position he held until early this year. 'The University of Newcastle nurtured in me a sense of responsibility to lead with integrity, serve with empathy and remain courageous in the face of uncertainty,' said the former president of the university's Singapore Students Association. 'The university's encouragement of innovative thinking also greatly influenced my leadership style and has driven many initiatives at HTA, such as adopting new training technologies and reimagining curriculum frameworks.' Under Mr Anwar's leadership, HTA forged strategic alliances, nurtured public-private partnerships and established four Centres of Excellence in a boost to its global public safety and security training reputation. Exposure to diverse worldviews and wide-scale challenges during his undergraduate education was also key to Mr Anwar's tenure at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs from 2012 to 2021, where he served as a co-chair of the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group Guidelines Review Committee. Tasked to lead the revision of international search and rescue protocols, Mr Anwar recounted collaborating with global partners, drawing on operational insights and cultural intelligence to improve global disaster response frameworks. 'My time at the University of Newcastle prepared me well for a career and a purpose-driven journey in service and innovation. Whether it's protecting a nation, supporting students or shaping international humanitarian standards, service transcends borders.' For Dr Sunny Johar, the University of Newcastle offered a springboard to a global career. Drawn by the university's academic reputation and its emphasis on equipping students with real-world skills, Dr Johar pursued her Bachelor of Business degree there. 'The University of Newcastle stood out for its strong academic programmes, global recognition and commitment to equipping students with the skills to lead in an interconnected world,' she explained. 'Its focus on combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience aligned with my aspirations.' Since graduating in 2014, Dr Johar has risen to become managing director of Southeast Asia and group head of digital strategy at KRDS Digital. She credits her ability to thrive in fast-evolving environments to the foundation built during her time at Newcastle. 'The knowledge I gained about strategic operations and running a business has directly contributed to my career progression, helping me to lead teams with purpose and clarity,' she shared. Dr Johar aims to expand KRDS Digital's reach by driving continued innovation in digital marketing, advertising and technology, while nurturing a high-performing team. She draws inspiration from the faculty at the University of Newcastle, who encouraged students to think critically about complex global challenges. Those lessons have shaped her journey as a business leader. 'The faculty emphasised the importance of being humble, curious and striving to be better every day. As a leader, I strive to instil a culture of learning and continuous improvement, empowering my team to adapt quickly and make data-driven decisions while retaining their creativity, curiosity and strategic thinking.' Mr Anwar is also a firm believer in the value of continuous learning. After earning his Master of Science in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management from the University of Leicester in United Kingdom in 2005, he has remained committed to personal and professional growth. He said: 'By continually acquiring new skills and knowledge, lifelong learners become more innovative, resilient and better equipped to make meaningful contributions to their professions, communities and society.' As the University of Newcastle marks its 60th anniversary, Dr Johar hopes that graduates across Australia, Singapore and the region will embrace the opportunities ahead. 'The world is changing rapidly, and with the right blend of academic excellence, practical skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, Newcastle graduates are poised to make a significant impact in their fields,' she noted. 'I hope they will apply the lessons learned at the university to create a future that is not only successful, but meaningful.'
