Engaging the private sector in preparedness for response - experiences from the Asian Preparedness Partnership

This document offers a background on the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP) which has implemented the program on, “strengthening capacity of government, local humanitarian organizations and private sector networks on preparedness for response in Asia”. This program laid the foundation for APP in the region, with the aim to strengthen the interface and partnership between government, local humanitarian organization networks and private sector networks through partnerships, knowledge resources, training, and networking opportunities.

The program comes as a reponse to challenges related to duplication of efforts, access to humanitarian funds and lack of vertical and horizontal coordination during disasters, despite notable progress being made within the humanitarian architecture of Asia.The risk to communities in disaster prone areas is compounded by high levels of social vulnerability perpetuated by uncoordinated systems and mechanisms at the local level.