ENHANCING DISASTER MANAGEMENT CAPACITY
THROUGH STRATEGIC FORESIGHT AND PLANNING
In the evolving and complex field of disaster management, it is crucial to possess the ability to anticipate, adapt, and respond effectively to changes. Understanding the importance of preparedness for challenges, the AHA Centre organised a Strategic Workshop on 28-29 November 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia, with a focus on enhancing foresight and planning capabilities.
The Workshop was supported by the project Leveraging ASEAN Capacities for Emergency Response (LACER), with funding support from the European Union. The workshop’s discussions were co facilitated by the AHA Centre represented by Mr. Abdul Aleem Siddiq, Assistant Director of Strategic Planning, Monitoring and Partnerships, and LACER representative Dr. Peter Månsson, Organisational Development Expert of the MSB – (Swedish Civil Contingency Agency). Both Aleem and Dr Månsson brought clear insights from an organisational perspective, assisting participants to understand how strategies and future thinking could be implemented practically within the AHA Centre. Their combined expertise and diverse perspectives laid an inspirative and innovative ground for ideas and strategies, helping the AHA Centre to chart a clear path towards becoming a sustainable and resilient organisation.
The purpose of this workshop was to express the aspirations of the AHA Centre in envisioning the future. By improving foresight and planning skills AHA Centre aims to equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to navigate through the unpredictable disaster management landscape.
This workshop was a milestone in AHA Centre’s journey towards capacity development. Facilitators carefully selected methodologies and tools for foresight and planning, ensuring that the platforms were relevant, engaging and could provide invaluable insights into future challenges in disaster management. This event served as a platform for knowledge sharing and critical thinking sessions, laying a foundation for enhancing capabilities at the AHA Centre while also strengthening readiness to handle diverse disaster scenarios effectively.
During the workshop, participants were encouraged to think about desired scenarios while also examining how AHA Centre can achieve its objectives. The main takeaway from the workshop was the importance of fostering a thinking mindset among participants. This involves cultivating a culture that values strategies in anticipating challenges of relying solely on reactive measures in disaster management.
The workshop spanned across two days, with each day focusing on different areas. The first day was dedicated to foresight, where participants delved into potential future trends and norms in disaster management that could significantly impact the operations of the AHA Centre. The aim of this foresighting process was to instil a mindset within the AHA Centre enabling participants to anticipate and adapt to changes effectively.
The second day revolved around planning, which was a phase where challenges were thoroughly examined. Participants worked collaboratively to design objectives and activities aimed at overcoming these obstacles. This combination of foresight and planning highlighted the AHA Centres approach towards effective disaster management.
Furthermore, the workshop also prioritised addressing cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, human rights, and environmental considerations. Participants identified concerns that could potentially compromise the integrity of the AHA Centre, including funding and envisioning a resilient and adaptable organisation. During the strategic planning sessions, capacity building for staff members also emerged as a focus, emphasising gaps in capacity and underscoring the importance of activities aimed at strengthening staff capabilities.
The techniques and tools used during the AHA Centre Strategic workshop are applicable in a wide range of situations. The AHA Centre is optimistic about incorporating these ideas into its daily operations, which will improve strategies and action plans. Additionally, the AHA Centre plans to organise workshops in the future to keep learning and developing these skills.
In conclusion this workshop on building capacity marks an advancement for the AHA Centre, as it not only equipped participants with skills and insights but it also fostered a forward-thinking culture that is vital for effective disaster management. The knowledge gained from this workshop will undoubtedly guide the AHA Centre towards a resilient and prepared future. Through learning and adaptation, the AHA Centre remains committed to being an effective resource for all ASEAN Member States.
Written by: Gerardy Grananda | Photos by: AHA Centre
