Letter from the Director

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) matters. The 10-member regional bloc is at the heart of the Asia-Pacific region. By combining their influence and efforts, ASEAN member-states have been able to help shape economic, political, and security interests and discussions. A stable Southeast Asia is in the national interest of the United States (U.S.). One of the most efficient ways to help strengthen the region’s governments and communities is to invest in partnerships with ASEAN.

The member-states of ASEAN have committed to coordinated action to better respond to natural and man-made disasters and to mitigate disaster impacts. In the past 20 years, the ASEAN memberstates, as a group, have demonstrated the efficacy of dynamic, cooperative initiatives, and the U.S. and other players have recognized the significance of supporting and participating in ASEAN’s disaster management programming. Among these initiatives are the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Plus, which includes the U.S. and others in consultation and confidence-building to boost military readiness, logistics capacity, and medical resources that build regional forces’ ability to respond to emergencies. In addition, the U.S. and other stakeholders join ASEAN in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), which has developed work plans on disaster preparedness and management and emphasized civilian and military coordination during disaster relief operations.

Integrated and inclusive approaches are an essential aspect of human security. As ASEAN member-states are located in a region particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, their collective ability to leverage their own resources and their international partnerships will be critical to creating resilient communities. Beyond the high-level defense and diplomatic relationships embodied by the ADMM-Plus and ARF, ASEAN has developed multiple international partnerships specifically focused on disaster management. In addition to its relationship with the U.S., ASEAN has partnerships with regional players including Australia, China, and Japan as well as with extra-regional stakeholders such as the European Union, Pakistan, and Turkey, and finally with international and regional organizations.

Disaster events and hazards have never ceased, and, as climate change drives an increase in their intensity, frequency, and unpredictability, ASEAN is increasingly pursuing mitigation and adaptation. This handbook serves as an initial source of information for those individuals preparing for disaster risk reduction activities or immediate deployment to one of the ASEAN member-states. It discusses how the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) continues to make inroads in disaster response, and it sheds light on the deployment of the ASEAN-Emergency Response Assessment Team (ERAT) in large scale disaster response. As a whole, the handbook provides decision makers, planners, researchers, and responders greater insight into ASEAN frameworks, tools, and mechanisms, thereby enhancing regional civil-military response.

Sincerely,

Joseph D. Martin, SES Director