I would like to congratulate the launch of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management. The establishment of this organization comes at a time when there is an increasing need for collective disaster response in the region. It is truly a unique partnership that brings together NGOs, governments, and businesses to jointly address the challenges and difficulties posed by a variety of disasters. The creation of such integrated networks will not only enhance cross-border disaster management efforts, but will build up a sense of community in the Asia-Pacific region. I especially welcome the involvement of civil society in this effort, as it is essential to link organic, grassroots efforts with government-level support to effectively respond to disasters on the ground. For the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, the issue of disaster management has emerged in the forefront of trilateral cooperation. As the Secretary-General mandated to promote trilateral cooperation, I wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of those involved in launching this innovative initiative and give my assurance that the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat would be a willing and able partner in achieving their important mission.

The Consortium of Humanitarian Agencies (CHA) in Sri Lanka is honoured to have contributed towards the establishment of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (APADM). The impressive growth and international recognition achieved by the alliance within a very short span bears testimony to its importance and potential. We strongly believe this alliance will address the void in partnerships between not-for-profit organizations and the private sector in disaster response and mitigation.

In an era when the frequency of disasters have reached epic proportions, the loss to lives, property and sustainable livelihoods needs to be minimized. A cohesive and a planned response through effective partnership in serving those affected are paramount.

The APADM has initiated a proactive international platform in converging resources of the private sector and civil society to create a speedy disaster response mechanism linking countries in the Asia Pacific Region. The exchange of knowledge amongst countries in the region in disaster management will further strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives.

Whilst we remain an integral partner, we wish the APADM the very best in its endeavours to make a difference.

On behalf of the private sector members of the Indonesia National Platform on DRR, we are privileged to be part of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management network.

The nature of this alliance, which is to enable multi-country as well as multi-sector forums, is a rich asset to have in order to address the key humanitarian challenges in the region. I am also proud to see the positive progress of Asia Pacific Alliance in responding to recent disasters within country members. The alliance has also strengthened its role in disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts with key projects already happening in some countries to further strengthen local network capacities.

The private sector has not only shown a very pivotal role in providing resources during response and rehabilitation, but it has also advocated the importance of embedding these efforts within the business strategy across the value chain. Evidence has taught us that businesses are affected just as much as communities are and suffer in the aftermath of disasters in terms of infrastructure, employment loss, and health and livelihood which further lead to environment, social and economic calamity. Therefore, it is imperative for each business institution to start investing and proactively engage in various initiatives on disaster risk reduction as well as relief and rehabilitation/reconstruction.

The best approach today is to form public-private partnerships which involve not only civil society and the government but also the private sector . These collaborative actions could certainly create synergy and a bigger impact in contributing towards growth and achievement of the development agenda including disaster management.

The Asia Pacific Alliance network serves the above purpose and its role is extremely important to drive integrated disaster management through fostering collaboration, strengthening local networks and learning forums as well as tapping resource potentials amongst members and beyond.

I sincerely wish Asia Pacific Alliance the best and for it to become the Thought Leader in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management network.

The Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC) welcomes the launching of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management with excitement and enthusiasm.

The launch of the Asia Pacific Alliance is a milestone in itself as it will certainly enhance regional support, cooperation and connectedness in raising awareness and preparedness, and in responding to and mitigating the impacts of disasters in this part of the globe. Asia Pacific Alliance will cover and provide information sharing in the Asia-Pacific region to respond as soon as possible in an efficient way. Also it will serve as a venue where disaster practitioners and advocates will come together to exchange information, to share experiences and to facilitate resource building as we continually face up to the challenges.

Congratulations to Asia Pacific Alliance for this undertaking. CDRC, as one of the five founding member countries, is mighty proud.