ECO Regional Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction was finalized
Officials and experts from disaster management and emergency situation authorities of the ECO Member States finalized on 12 October 2017 the text of “ECO Regional Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction”. Representatives from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Republic of Tajikistan and Republic of Turkey as well as officials from regional and international organizations attended the event convened in the context of “2nd Experts Group Meeting for ECO Regional Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction” held on 11-12 October 2017 in Ankara.
The Regional Framework contains 7 sections addressing, among others, current situation of disasters in the ECO Region, the purpose, rationale, goals and objectives and timeframe of the Framework. It also includes some priority actions and flagship programmes which are defined in line with the 7 targets and 4 priorities of the Sendai Framework, taking into account the specific needs of the ECO Region.
The Meeting requested the Secretariat of the ECO to submit the text of the Regional Framework to the decision making bodies of the Organization with a view to its effective and timely implementation. The Meeting invited partner regional and international organizations to extend their supports to ECO and its Member States in implementation of the Regional Framework.
On the sidelines of the Meeting, ECO Deputy Secretary General, Mr. Seyed Jalaledin Alavi Sabzevari held bilateral talks with AFAD and ADPC officials. In his meeting with AFAD President Dr. Mehmet Gulluoglu, Mr. Alavi congratulated him on his appointment as the president of AFAD and thanked him for hosting this important meeting. He further hailed Turkey’s active role in the ECO, including in the disaster-related activities and expressed hope that AFAD’s vast capacities and expertise can be utilized during the implementation of the ECO Regional Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Dr. Mehmet Gulluoglu in return informed about the current national and international exposure of AFAD and expressed readiness to help ECO in its disaster-related agenda.
ECO Deputy Secretary General also had discussions with Mr. Hans Guttman, Executive Director of Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) where both sides reviewed possible areas of cooperation. They also recalled the preparations for an ECO-ADPC MoU which is currently ongoing. Both sides agreed to explore the possibility for joint training and capacity development programmes for the ECO Member States.