UNFOLDING FUTURE

2019 stands as an all-important year of contrast for the AHA Centre in its role as the primary coordinator of disaster management at the ASEAN level. Preceded by a year of unrivalled disaster response – 2019 would see the heavily battered region experience some relative calm – afforded a little time to recover and recuperate after a tumultuous period. This context was also true for the AHA Centre itself. After a 2018 of ongoing and parallel responses, the relative contrasting calm of 2019 provided an opportunity to reset and rethink previous efforts and directions, and determine the organisation’s relevance in an ever-changing disaster management context. While 2018 was the year in which the AHA Centre’s previous work and preparation would come to fruition, 2019 would form the launching pad for the Centre’s work in the years to come.

The year would see us engaging further within human-induced response support, while witnessing our Member States utilising aspects of the Centre’s expertise as they took the lead in their own disaster management efforts. 2019 would also form an all-important milestone for disaster relief, with the opening of two satellite warehouses not only increasing response potential, but engaging Member States further within regional disaster management processes. The AHA Centre’s partnerships and engagements continue to diversify, and with projects such as ARMOR we would take a stronger lead in broadening disaster management knowledge and experience. 2019 was also the year in which technology would be truly valued and provided a primary spot within ASEAN disaster management processes, and we now have a roadmap to ensure the region remains ahead of the https://ascend.ahacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/DSC02901-e1517051226337-1.jpg trends for the next decade.