Summary
This document sets out East Asia Summit's approach to better manage for and respond to natural disasters in the region. (2011, 9pp)
Description
Disaster management and response is a key priority for the East Asia Summit (EAS). Natural disasters continue to cause loss of life, properties and livelihoods in the region and impede sustainable development.
In 2011, EAS leaders endorsed a new initiative proposed jointly by Australia and Indonesia to simplify and improve existing arrangements to prepare for and manage natural disasters and to rapidly and effectively respond in the immediate aftermath.
The EAS will establish a new committee to oversee three clusters of activities focusing on information sharing, overcoming bottlenecks and capacity building. Emergency Management Australia, as Australia's national disaster management organisation will represent Australia on the committee. Australia has also committed to support a secretariat to the committee.