In a significant development aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts across the Indo-Pacific region, the Ministry of Defence, in coordination with Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) India, hosted the handing over ceremony of the Chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus Expert Working Group (EWG) on HADR in New Delhi today.
The ceremony marked the transition of leadership as India and Indonesia, who served as the Co-Chairs of the EWG for the 4th Cycle from 2021 to 2023, formally handed over the baton to Singapore and New Zealand.
The exchange of leadership underscores the commitment of participating nations to collaborate closely in addressing the diverse challenges posed by natural disasters and humanitarian crises in the region.
The ADMM Plus EWG serves as a vital platform for facilitating dialogue, cooperation, and coordination among participating countries in addressing HADR challenges in the Indo-Pacific.
Through a concerted and collective approach, the EWG endeavors to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts in the aftermath of natural calamities and humanitarian emergencies.
India and Indonesia, during their tenure as Co-Chairs of the EWG, made significant contributions towards advancing HADR cooperation and capacity-building initiatives in the region.
Their efforts were aimed at strengthening institutional frameworks, fostering interoperability, and sharing best practices to better respond to disasters and alleviate the suffering of affected populations.
As Singapore and New Zealand assume the Chairmanship of the ADMM Plus EWG on HADR, they are poised to build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors and further enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of HADR mechanisms in the Indo-Pacific.
The incoming Co-Chairs bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise, along with a shared commitment to promoting regional resilience and preparedness in the face of disasters.
The EWG’s mandate encompasses a wide range of activities, including capacity-building workshops, joint exercises, and information-sharing initiatives, aimed at strengthening the collective response to HADR challenges.
By fostering greater cooperation and coordination among member states, the EWG seeks to mitigate the impact of disasters, save lives, and promote stability and security in the region.
In light of the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific, the ADMM Plus EWG on HADR assumes greater significance as a key mechanism for promoting regional resilience and cooperation.
As Singapore and New Zealand assume leadership roles, the international community looks forward to continued collaboration and partnership in addressing shared challenges and building a safer and more resilient future for all.
