Countries sign on to cooperation framework for disaster response

Sixteen countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative have expressed support for the establishment of an international cooperation framework for disaster risk reduction and emergency management, according to a joint declaration.

They agreed to establish the framework, proposed by China, by upholding a people-centered development philosophy and keeping people's lives the top priority, the declaration said.

The declaration was issued on Nov 3, after a virtual ministerial forum for international cooperation. The forum was held with ministers responsible for disaster risk reduction and emergency management from countries such as Belarus, Brunei, Chile and Indonesia, as well as representatives from eight international and regional organizations such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

They called for sharing information regarding disaster risk assessment, and jointly researching and developing key technologies and their applications to improve the capacity to deal with risks.

Relevant countries should scale up their effective trans-boundary emergency rescue capacity and establish liaison and coordination mechanisms, they said.

They pledged to make full use of the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund, as well as funds from international and regional organizations such as the World Bank and regional development banks, to support practical cooperation in less-developed countries.

They also support the important role of the United Nations in international cooperation on disaster risk prevention, mitigation and relief, workplace safety and emergency response.

When addressing the virtual meeting, State Councilor Wang Yong said China is willing to continue to deepen exchanges and cooperation with relevant countries, regions and international organizations, expand regional emergency cooperation areas and jointly promote technological innovation.

China would like to work with relevant parties to jointly enhance natural disaster risk prevention and emergency management capabilities, minimize losses of disaster risks and contribute to benefiting people from countries alongside the BRI and promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

Minister of Emergency Management Huang Ming said disaster risk prevention and emergency management are not only a key cooperation area in the joint construction of the Belt and Road, but also play an important role in guaranteeing the safe advancement of the initiative.

He said China will work with all parties to cope with disaster risk challenges through the international cooperation mechanism.