India’s Chairmanship (2024–25)
- Transition: India assumed the Chair of ADPC from China, reflecting its growing leadership in regional disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience.
- Strategic Focus: Likely priorities include:
- Strengthening cross-border cooperation in disaster response.
- Promoting climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities.
- Leveraging India’s expertise in early warning systems (e.g., cyclones, floods).
Overview of ADPC
- Established: 1986 in Bangkok, Thailand, as the Disaster Management Center (DMC); later renamed ADPC.
- Mandate: Foster regional cooperation to reduce disaster risks and enhance climate resilience in Asia-Pacific, the world’s most disaster-prone region.
- Membership:
- Founding Members: India, Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
- Current Reach: Works with 25+ countries, UN agencies, NGOs, and academia.
- Governance: Governed by a Board of Directors representing member states, with technical support from international partners.
Core Functions and Programs
- Capacity Building: Trains governments and communities in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
- Early Warning Systems: Develops flood, cyclone, and drought forecasting tools (e.g., Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System [RIMES]).
- Climate Resilience: Integrates DRR with climate adaptation in sectors like agriculture, urban planning, and infrastructure.
- Policy Advocacy: Assists countries in aligning with global frameworks like the Sendai Framework (2015–2030) and Paris Agreement.
- Innovation: Promotes technology (e.g., AI, GIS) for risk assessment and decision-making.
India’s Role and Contributions
- Founding Member: Actively involved since inception, contributing technical expertise and funding.
- Key Initiatives:
- Cyclone Management: Shared best practices from India’s successful cyclone preparedness model (e.g., Odisha’s “Zero Casualty” approach).
- Flood Forecasting: Collaboration on transboundary flood warning systems for rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra.
- Urban Resilience: Support for cities under the Make Cities Resilient 2030 initiative.
- Financial Support: India funds ADPC programs through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Ministry of External Affairs.
Significance of India’s Chairmanship
- Regional Leadership: Strengthens India’s role as a net security provider in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
- Climate Diplomacy: Aligns with India’s global climate commitments (e.g., International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure).
- Neighborhood First: Enhances trust with neighbors through joint DRR projects (e.g., Nepal, Bangladesh).
- Global Recognition: Positions India as a bridge between Global North and South on climate adaptation.
Challenges for ADPC
- Funding Gaps: Heavy reliance on donor grants limits long-term planning.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Coordination challenges in conflict-prone regions (e.g., South China Sea, India-Pakistan).
- Diverse Needs: Balancing priorities of small island states (e.g., Pacific) with large continental nations.
- Climate Escalation: Rising frequency of extreme weather events strains existing frameworks.
Future Opportunities
- India’s G20 Legacy: Integrate ADPC goals with G20’s Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group outcomes.
- Tech-Driven Solutions: Expand India’s Space Technology (ISRO) for regional disaster monitoring.
- Community-Led DRR: Scale up grassroots networks like women’s self-help groups and youth volunteers.
- Private Sector Engagement: Partner with corporations for resilient infrastructure and insurance schemes.
Key ADPC Projects in 2024–25
- Transboundary Flood Management: Focus on Himalayan river basins (India-Nepal-Bhutan-Bangladesh).
- Heatwave Preparedness: Develop early warning systems for South Asia’s urban centers.
- Coastal Resilience: Protect mangrove ecosystems and fishing communities from cyclones.
- Post-Disaster Recovery: Guidelines for rebuilding climate-resilient infrastructure.
Conclusion: India’s chairmanship of ADPC marks a pivotal moment to advance regional disaster resilience while addressing climate inequities. By prioritizing inclusive, technology-driven solutions and fostering South-South cooperation, India can steer the Asia-Pacific toward a safer, sustainable future. Success will depend on bridging political divides, securing sustainable funding, and empowering vulnerable communities.
