• Source: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center

The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an autonomous, regional organization established to strengthen disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, ADPC provides technical assistance, capacity building, research, and policy support to governments, international organizations, and communities.
With a focus on reducing vulnerabilities to natural and human-induced disasters, the organization promotes sustainable development and regional cooperation across the disaster-prone Asia-Pacific region.




History


ADPC was established in 1986 as a collaborative effort between regional governments, the United Nations, and academic institutions. Initially launched as a project under the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), it aimed to address the growing need for disaster preparedness in Asia, which is highly vulnerable to natural hazards like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and tsunamis.
Over time, ADPC evolved into an independent organization, expanding its focus from emergency preparedness to include a broader range of disaster risk management strategies, climate change adaptation, and resilience-building initiatives. Since its inception, ADPC has played a central role in advancing DRR in the region, contributing to key frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.




Collaboration and partnerships


ADPC collaborates with various organisations to promote disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Key partnerships include United Nations agencies like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). ADPC also works closely with regional bodies such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to promote coordinated disaster management efforts across borders. By facilitating knowledge-sharing, capacity-building programs, and joint initiatives, ADPC supports regional cooperation and fosters innovation in DRR practices.




Governance and structure


ADPC is governed by a board of trustees comprising representatives from its founding member countries, which include Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Thailand. The board oversees the strategic direction and policies of the organization. ADPC's headquarters are located in Bangkok, Thailand, and the organization operates through a network of regional offices and project sites throughout Asia. The center's governance structure ensures accountability and responsiveness to the evolving disaster risks and needs of the Asia-Pacific region.




Charter


Initially established in 1986 as regional institution, it was registered as a foundation in 1999. As the organization expanded its scope and membership, the need for a formal legal framework became apparent, leading to the drafting and adoption of the charter. This led to the drafting and adoption of the Charter of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, which established ADPC as an intergovernmental organization with a legal and institutional framework.
The Charter outlines the mission, objectives, governance structure, and operational mechanisms of ADPC, which is dedicated to enhancing disaster resilience and reducing disaster risks in the Asia-Pacific region. Adopted by its member states, the Charter defines the principles that guide the organization's work in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, and capacity-building.




= Background

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The ADPC Charter was drafted in 2001 however, it was formally signed by Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in 2005. These countries were among the first to formally sign and ratify the charter. Their ratification of the charter also marked the transition of ADPC into a recognized intergovernmental organization, solidifying its role in promoting disaster preparedness and response in the Asia-Pacific region.




= Instrument of Ratification

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A critical aspect of the ADPC Charter is the Instrument of Ratification, a formal document that each member country submit to officially become part of the ADPC. By ratifying the Charter, countries commit to supporting ADPC's mission, adhering to its principles, and participating in its governance and programs.
The Charter emphasizes ADPC's role in fostering partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank, as well as regional organizations like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).




Representatives






= Regional Consultative Committee

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The Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) includes 16 member countries, such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, East Timor and Vietnam.




References






Further reading


"Early Adopters". NASA SWOT. 23 Aug 2024. Retrieved 20 Sep 2024.

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