Phnom Penh: Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet has called on all ministries and institutions to consider disaster management a core responsibility and to strengthen both human and material resources for effective response.
The Premier’s directive came in a message released this morning to mark the National Day for Disaster Management (Oct. 13), held this year under the theme, “Daily Steps Toward Disaster Resilience Today.”
In his message, Samdech Thipadei urged active participation in implementing key national strategies, specifically citing the National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024–2028 and the National Roadmap for Early Warnings for All, to ensure tangible results.
The Prime Minister emphasized the crucial importance of promoting a culture of knowledge sharing and raising public awareness about disaster risks and reduction measures.
Strengthening Institutional Capacity
Samdech Thipadei instructed relevant institutions to continue strengthening capacity and cooperation in disaster management. Key directives included:
- The National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) was tasked with reinforcing inter-ministerial coordination and sectoral risk management mechanisms.
- Provincial and municipal administrations were encouraged to improve flood and drought management systems to enhance community resilience.
- The ** Ministry of National Defence** was directed to collaborate with the NCDM to enhance the capacity of disaster relief forces.
The Premier underlined the importance of public education and preparedness, and called for increased investment in resilient housing, communities, and livelihoods to boost overall economic resilience.
Aligning with ASEAN and Global Commitments
Samdech Thipadei commended the theme for aligning with both the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management and the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The theme, he noted, highlights the necessary link between national, regional, and global efforts in reducing disaster risk.
“It also demonstrates ASEAN nations’ shared commitment and solidarity in managing disasters through the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response,” he stressed. “This promotes the spirit of ‘One ASEAN’ and aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.”