Pakistan: A Step towards making Pakistan disaster resilient
Government of Pakistan press release: National Institute Of Disaster Management (NIDM) established – A Step towards making Pakistan disaster resilient
Islamabad - The National Disaster Management Authority through the technical support of United Nations Development Programme has launched the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in Islamabad. The NIDM has been established to build capacities to respond and prepare for disasters across the country.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was established in 2007 with an aim to be at the forefront of disaster management in the country. It has been mandated to focus on putting in place systems which reduce the potential devastation from a disaster and ensures that if they do occur there are mechanisms to respond to it effectively. For this purpose, national and provincial fora have been strengthened in disaster risk management. It is to mention here that the section - 26 (sub-section -1) - of the National Disaster Management Ordinance (NDMO) also envisages establishment of the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) to be responsible body for planning and promoting training and research; and developing core competencies in the area of disaster management, documentation and development of national level information base relating to disaster management policies, prevention mechanism and mitigation measures.
This Management Institute will further strengthen the efforts of the Government to promote Disaster Risk Management (DRM) as a priority as disasters are one of the major stumbling blocks in attaining development goals and very often reverse the gains from development.
The Institute will respond to the need of creating a full fledged academic institute for providing research and training services for disaster risk managers in the country. NIDM will function as a premier centre of excellence for providing training and research services on DRM to the public and private sector individuals. The UN System in Pakistan also plays a pivotal role to further strengthen the national Disaster Risk Management System. A One-UN Joint DRM Programme was launched in early 2009 for an initial time-frame of two years.
UNDP Pakistan, as part of the ongoing One UN DRM Programme, has adopted a comprehensive approach towards disaster risk reduction encompassing mitigation, preparedness and advocacy in every initiative it supports with communities and government institutions. Working with NDMA, the national institution responsible for disaster preparedness in Pakistan, UNDP ensures that disaster risk reduction is included in the planning of relevant line ministries, and that communities are better prepared when natural hazards strike. NIDM will develop curriculum on various facets of disaster management; offer short courses on DRM, conduct studies on disaster-related areas to assist legislators and policy makers for informed planning and decision making undertake study, research, develop linkages and build partnerships with national and international academic institutions.
It will develop a network of disaster management professionals working in various disciplines inland and abroad; undertake mass awareness to raise disaster risk awareness among the general public. It will also build a database about disasters in the country and give regular updates through its website which will work as a hub of information for the consumption of public sector departments and media organizations.
In his address as Chief Guest on the launching of the NIDM, Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority, Lt. Gen. (R) Farooq Ahmad Khan said that he is immensely pleased to witness the launching of a much needed set-up like the National Institute of Disaster Management in Pakistan. He further added that the NIDM has a huge responsibility of instilling DRM ideas in the minds of our youth, government officers and civil society organizations. "I am determined to make the NIDM a hub of knowledge and information on Disaster Risk Management", said the Chairman.
He was optimistic that establishment of the NIDM would develop a culture of DRM which would lead Pakistan towards sustainable development and a risk free country. Speaking on the occasion, the UNDP deputy Country Director, Ms. Mikiko Tanaka said, "When disasters strike, the impact of our work – so often measured in gradual increments over time – is by necessity instant and pivotal. At moments like this, we are reminded again of the imperative to work on disaster risk reduction and response in times of both stability and turmoil. I am confident that the NIDM under NDMA leadership will play a crucial role for imparting appropriate training to disaster managers at various levels to ensure coordinated and quick response during emergencies."