ASEAN-ERAT
IN-COUNTRY NETWORK, LAO PDR
Two years ago during May 2017, the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) Advisory Group Meeting agreed on the concept of an ASEAN-ERAT In-Country Network. The main objectives of the ASEAN-ERAT In-Country Network include:
1. Maintaining communication among ASEAN-ERAT members in their respective countries, as well as enhancing coordination among ASEAN-ERAT members, National Disaster Management Organisations (NDMOs), and the AHA Centre
2. Facilitating information and knowledge sharing, as well as promoting dialogue for improving the ASEAN-ERAT system
3. Leveraging the adopted ASEAN-ERAT system to be recognised by the national stakeholders
4. Further enhancing rapid deployment of ASEAN-ERAT members in times of emergencies
Following 2018’s establishment of the ASEAN-ERAT In-Country Network in Myanmar and Philippines, the AHA Centre facilitated the establishment of the 3rd network in Vientiane, Lao PDR, during early 2019. Thus, adding another milestone towards reaching the goal of setting-up similar networks in 6 ASEAN Member States by the end of 2019, as part of the ASEAN-ERAT Transformation Plan. This historic milestone for ASEAN-ERAT took place back-to-back with a ‘Familiarisation of ASEAN Disaster Management’ workshop, which was held on the 12-13 February 2019. The objective of the workshop was to provide an overview of disaster management mechanisms in ASEAN to ministries and other stakeholders, as well as to provide insight into areas of cooperation to enhance disaster management in Lao PDR and the ASEAN region.
The workshop was organised by the Social Welfare Department, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare of Lao PDR, supported by the AHA Centre, and attended by participants from relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Science and Technology, and Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism. A number of partners were also present during the meeting, such as Lao Red Cross, Bank of Lao PDR, and ASEAN-ERAT members who are based in Lao PDR.
Written by : Melya Wardhani | Photo : AHA Centre
