Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) successfully hosted the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on October 28 and 29, 2024, in Islamabad. The event convened 55 international delegates from the Asia-Pacific region, including representatives from China, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Turkiye, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, alongside key stakeholders from global humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, and local government departments.
According to Press Information Department, the conference served as a platform for member countries to present updates and positions for the ongoing INSARAG Governance Review. The Asia-Pacific Regional Group conducted an After-Action Review of the Turkiye response to enhance emergency preparedness and response standards. A comprehensive regional work plan was developed, focusing on mapping hazards, commitments, and resources to effectively address future risks.
Further discussions resulted in agreements on Asia-Pacific’s contributions to the INSARAG Guidelines 2026, ensuring regional insights are integral to the development process. The conference participants appreciated Pakistan’s leadership in hosting the event, recognizing the country’s role in strengthening regional disaster preparedness. The Asia-Pacific Group formally welcomed Japan as the INSARAG Asia-Pacific regional Chair for 2025, with Tokyo set to host the next regional conference in August 2025. South Korea has been invited to consider hosting the 2026 INSARAG Global Meeting.
The conference concluded with Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik distributing participation certificates, acknowledging the attendees’ commitment to strengthening regional resilience efforts. Participants also visited the National Emergencies Operation Center at NDMA headquarters, where they were briefed on the facility’s capabilities in early warning development, anticipatory actions, collaborations with humanitarian partners, and risk communication.
The INSARAG Asia-Pacific Regional Conference 2024 marked a significant milestone in regional disaster response collaboration, reinforcing a shared commitment to resilience-building and disaster preparedness among Asia-Pacific nations. NDMA assumed the chair of INSARAG on January 17, 2024, further solidifying its leadership role in regional disaster management efforts.