Taiwan has launched the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), an international initiative aimed at enhancing global disaster preparedness and response. The launch event, hosted in Taipei, saw Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang welcoming disaster management officials and experts from around the globe.
The WADM is designed to foster international cooperation by linking governments, emergency response agencies, businesses, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. This collaborative effort will focus on strengthening disaster prevention, early warning systems, emergency responses, and recovery efforts worldwide.
Highlighting the importance of global partnerships, Lin emphasized that disasters and risks transcend national borders, making international cooperation crucial for building resilience and improving preparedness. Taiwan’s own history with disaster response, particularly following the 1999 Jiji earthquake, underscores the value of shared expertise and collaboration.
Interior Minister Liu noted that Taiwan is ready to contribute its knowledge and experience in disaster response through professional training and joint exercises. The country’s past experiences with international assistance have positioned it well to play a leading role in this new alliance.
The WADM aims to promote information sharing, capacity building, and practical cooperation among its members, reflecting a commitment to a coordinated global approach to disaster management.