(l-r) Prof Saini Yang, IRDR's Executive Director, and Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, ADPC's Executive Director
In a significant step toward strengthening disaster resilience in Asia and the Pacific, the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk International Programme Office (IRDR IPO) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) have formalised a new five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement was signed during a visit by ADPC's Executive Director, Mr. Aslam Perwaiz, to the IPO's offices at the Donghu International Center in Wangjing, Beijing.
The partnership aims to close the persistent gap between disaster risk science and the practical implementation of risk management and reduction policies. By aligning cutting-edge research with on-the-ground action, the collaboration seeks to transform scientific insights into tangible outcomes that protect communities and strengthen resilience across the region.
Key Objectives of the MoU
Over the next five years, IRDR and ADPC will work together to:
Translate science-based evidence into operational disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies and policies tailored to the diverse contexts of Asia and the Pacific;
Enhance regional and institutional capacities for risk-informed sustainable development by integrating research into training programmes and policy advisory services; and
Promote multi-stakeholder engagement to ensure that scientific advancements respond to local community needs and foster cross-sectoral collaboration.
The MoU also outlines specific joint activities, including the co-development of training modules through the ADPC Academy, which will incorporate IRDR’s research on risk and uncertainty into professional development courses for DRR practitioners. Additionally, the partnership will support evidence-based decision-making by linking scientific findings directly with policy support functions for governments and other stakeholders.
Commitment to Impactful Collaboration
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Saini Yang emphasised the importance of partnerships in achieving meaningful impact: “IRDR’s mission is to mobilise science to reduce all forms of disaster risk. To do this effectively, we must work hand-in-hand with institutions like ADPC that bridge science, policy, and practice. This MoU represents a shared commitment to turning knowledge into action for safer, more resilient communities.”
Mr. Aslam Perwaiz echoed this sentiment, highlighting the complementary strengths of both organisations and the potential to drive transformative change in disaster risk governance across the region through international cooperation.
About ADPC
The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an autonomous international organisation dedicated to advancing disaster risk reduction and climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1986 as a regional disaster management centre within the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok, Thailand, ADPC has grown significantly over the past decades. In 2005, its international Charter was signed by nine founding member countries—Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—and came into effect in 2018 following ratification by all members. Since January 2020, ADPC has operated as an independent international organisation governed by its Board of Trustees.
