23-07-2025
Asean calls for joint natural disaster strategies as regional exercises kick off
PHNOM PENH: Senior Minister Kun Kim (pic) has highlighted how the Asean states are some of the region's most vulnerable to natural disasters, which severely impact lives, livelihoods and socio-economic development. He urged the implementation of comprehensive joint strategies to address these challenges.
His remarks were made at the opening ceremony of the Asean Regional Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (Ardex-25), held at the Special Forces Command in Phnom Penh on Tuesday (July 22).
'Asean is highly susceptible to natural disasters such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, tsunamis and storms. These disasters have caused severe impacts on lives, living conditions and socio-economic development.
"These challenges require collective, wide-ranging approaches that go beyond the capacity of any single country,' said Kim, who serves as first vice-president of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) and is chairing Ardex-25.
Speaking on behalf of Cambodia — a country which is vulnerable to such disasters — he underlined the importance of proactive preparedness and timely response. The Cambodian government has implemented a National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024–2028, a National Early Warning Map, strategic plans and various other policies to strengthen national disaster management capacities.
He noted that the simulation exercises will significantly contribute to implementing Cambodia's national action plan and serve as a strong indicator of the country's commitment to Asean's socio-cultural community resilience through enhanced regional cooperation.
Kim also recognised the critical role of the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) as a key operational mechanism that coordinates Asean 's collective disaster response efforts.
He stated that Ardex-25 is not merely a simulation but a vital step in deepening the implementation of the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER).
He added that it is an essential opportunity to test the effectiveness of Asean's Standard Operating Procedures (SASOP) for regional readiness and coordinated disaster response.
He expressed strong hope that this simulation would provide valuable lessons, laying the groundwork for further strengthening disaster management systems, sharing experiences, raising awareness and fostering closer bonds among Asean member states and international partners.
This will help build a resilient Asean community, equipped with the resources, capabilities and protocols needed for rapid and effective response to emergencies — including search and rescue, humanitarian aid, joint assessments and efficient recovery efforts.
The three-day regional simulation exercise, taking place from July 22 to 24, includes the participation of key figures such as Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of Asean, Kim Virak, secretary-general of the NCDM and chair of the Asean Committee on Disaster Management 2025 (ACDM 2025), Igor Driesmans, EU ambassador to Cambodia and Lee Yam Ming, executive director of the AHA Centre, as well as distinguished representatives from various ministries and embassies in Cambodia.
Alongside them are senior officials from relevant ministries and institutions, foreign military attachés, Asean member states, Asean dialogue partners, development agencies, domestic and international organisations, and other stakeholders.
Virak expressed appreciation for the presence of all delegates, saying it reflected a collective commitment to strengthen regional disaster response cooperation. He noted Cambodia's pride in hosting this major regional exercise.
The exercise is also testing the Asean Standard Operating Procedure for Regional Standby Arrangements and Coordination of Joint Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Operations (SASOP) and the terms of reference for the Asean secretary-general as the Asean Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator. Ardex-25 comprises of table top, command post and field training exercises. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
