SUBANG, 7 April 2014 – Representatives from ASEAN Member States’ disaster management agencies are embarking on a humanitarian logistics system training in Subang, Malaysia, from 7 to 14 April. The training is developed by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) in collaboration with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depot (UNHRD) Subang Base, and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) Asia Regional Office.
This training is part the AHA Centre Executive Programme (ACE Programme), a six-month leadership training programme for disaster management officers from ASEAN Member States. “The officers will become future leaders in disaster management in ASEAN, and humanitarian logistics is among important elements in disaster management. Through this training, we expect them to obtain a thorough understanding of humanitarian logistics from the management concepts to the understanding on ground level constraints,” Said Faisal, the Executive Director of the AHA Centre explained. “This knowledge will help disaster management officials understand the procedures to access ASEAN’s stockpiles as well as better planning and managing the disaster logistics in their respective countries.”
To address the need for timely response to the disaster in the region, a Disaster Emergency Logistics System for ASEAN (DELSA) was established in December 2012 with support from the Government of Japan through Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund. “DELSA is the first stockpile of its kind which was established by and for the ASEAN. The system serves as a practical tool for ASEAN to respond to natural disasters in an effective and swift manner,” Mr. Hiroshi Matsuura, the Minister of Embassy of Japan in Malaysia remarked. “The deployment of relief items through the systems is highly appreciated not only by countries and people affected by disasters but also other ASEAN Member States, as it demonstrates the solidarity of ASEAN for disaster-affected country. Japan is honored to be a part of such a valuable project,” Mr. Matsuura added. Since its establishment in 2012, DELSA has served eight disaster emergency response missions, including the most recent Typhoon Haiyan emergency operations.
The AHA Centre engages the UNHRD as its partner to manage ASEAN’s disaster emergency logistics warehouse. In this training, humanitarian logistics experts from WFP will share knowledge and expertise gathered from decades of experience and best practices among the humanitarian community. “The Asia-Pacific region is particularly prone to natural disasters and the effects of climate change,” said WFP Regional Director for Asia Kenro Oshidari. “We are proud to be working hand-in-hand with the next generation of ASEAN leaders to provide them with the latest operational skills and knowledge to respond effectively to such disasters.” The UNHRD in Subang, which is managed by WFP, represents a crucial logistics hub for the humanitarian community in the region.
The AHA Centre Executive Programme is expected to develop both the capacity and connectivity of ASEAN disaster management officials. The participants are carefully selected by disaster management offices of ASEAN Member States. Upon completion of this programme, the participants are expected to develop strong disaster management knowledge, leadership skills, and networks, which will be useful for their future leadership roles in the region.
Link to Photos
*****
