(Photo credit: Civil Defense PH) 

QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- The Philippines is set to lead the 10th session of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in 2024 after its launch on Friday, at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.  

The launch was graced by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga, and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum.

A Partnership Agreement signing between the private sector and development stakeholders was also held, signifying their commitment towards a resilient Philippines and Asia-Pacific.

The APMCDRR is a primary regional platform convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) that aims to bring global leaders together to identify impactful and innovative solutions to disaster risk.

Held every other year, the conference is an avenue to promote coordination and cooperation on the implementation of the Sendai Framework.

It was previously been held in China, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Mongolia, and Australia.

The Philippines is expected to host the event on October 14 to 17, 2024 to exhibit its role in public-private partnerships for climate and disaster resilience.

It is expected to draw over 3,000 high-level delegates from all over the world, facilitating exchanges in experiences, good practices, identification of challenges in disaster.

As part of the preparations for the upcoming conference in 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Administrative Order No. 09 last September 26, creating the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC).

Under the administrative order, the Secretary of DENR, and DND are designated to be co-chairs to lead the preparations.

The IAC will be responsible for formulating and implementing plans, programs, and activities, likewise organizing, and managing requirements for the hosting of the conference. (PIA-NCR)