Iran Takes the Helm: Elected as Next Chair of APDIM Governing Council

Iran Takes the Helm: Elected as Next Chair of APDIM Governing Council

The Asian and Pacific Centre for the Development of Disaster Information Management (APDIM) recently concluded its Ninth Session of the Governing Council in Tehran, where significant decisions were made to enhance regional disaster management efforts. The session, held on January 22, 2025, marked a pivotal moment as Iran was elected as the new Chair of the Governing Council, taking over from Tajikistan.

During this session, delegates from various member countries gathered, both in person and virtually, to discuss crucial matters pertaining to disaster information management. The participants included representatives from:

  • Bangladesh
  • Cambodia
  • India
  • Iran
  • Macao
  • China
  • Mongolia
  • Tajikistan
  • Turkey

Additionally, observer countries such as Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan attended the session, along with representatives from regional organizations like the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) and the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The session aimed to review the Centre’s achievements and set strategic priorities for the upcoming year. It commenced with opening remarks from Jamshed Kamolzoda, the Head of the Main Department for the Protection of the Population and Territories of the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan. Other notable speakers included:

  • Mohammad Qasemi, Deputy Head of the Plan and Budget Organization of Iran
  • Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

The Governing Council took the opportunity to review APDIM’s activities since its last meeting, emphasizing discussions on:

  • Advancements in disaster information management
  • Capacity building initiatives
  • Regional cooperation strategies

An independent evaluation of the Centre’s performance was presented, offering valuable insights for future planning. The session concluded with the election of the Islamic Republic of Iran as the new Chair of the Governing Council, while India was appointed as Vice-Chair for the upcoming term.

Among the key outcomes of the session were:

  1. Adoption of APDIM’s programme of work for 2025
  2. Review of the Centre’s activities and reports
  3. Discussion on the evaluation findings of the Centre
  4. Overview of APDIM’s administrative and financial status

The Ninth Session reaffirmed APDIM’s commitment to strengthening disaster information management across the Asia-Pacific region and supporting resilience-building efforts aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

APDIM’s primary mandate is to mitigate human and economic losses due to natural disasters, contributing to effective disaster risk reduction and resilience policies in the region. As a vital information and knowledge repository, APDIM supports governments and stakeholders in enhancing their capacities and facilitates regional cooperation on transboundary hazards.

The establishment of APDIM was initially proposed by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran and was approved during the sixth-seventh session of the Commission in 2011. Subsequently, in 2015, ESCAP Member States established APDIM as a subsidiary body of ESCAP.

The General Assembly acknowledged the establishment of APDIM as a regional institution of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific through resolution 72/218. Furthermore, the Islamic Republic of Iran and ESCAP signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the establishment of APDIM in January 2018, officially opening the Centre in Tehran that same year.

This session marks a significant step forward in enhancing disaster management capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning APDIM as a key player in fostering collaboration and resilience against natural hazards.

Similar Posts

  • This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.

  • Record-Breaking Year: Over 32,000 Couples Tie the Knot After 50!

    Recent reports from Iran’s Civil Registration Organization indicate a notable rise in marriages among individuals aged fifty and older, with 32,196 such marriages registered from March 2024 to March 2025. This trend reflects changing societal attitudes towards later-life marriages. Additionally, the autumn 2024 season recorded 118,450 marriages and 49,738 divorces, showing a shift in marriage and divorce dynamics compared to previous years. Meanwhile, the total fertility rate in Iran has stabilized at approximately 1.6 children per woman after a significant decline, influenced by the youth population law. The aging population presents challenges, with 11.5% over sixty, requiring strategic policy planning.

  • Productive Meeting on Nuclear Programs: Russia, Iran, and China Strengthen Collaboration

    Russia, China, and Iran are strengthening their alliance, particularly concerning the Iranian nuclear program, as highlighted in a recent Beijing meeting. Officials emphasized resolving geopolitical issues through diplomacy, issuing a joint statement against military threats to Iran’s nuclear facilities. Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov noted a negative trend regarding Iran’s nuclear compliance and expressed skepticism about future negotiations unless the U.S. shows willingness to engage. This collaboration reflects a strategic response to perceived Western threats and could impact global security and nuclear non-proliferation efforts. The situation underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue over military action in international relations.

  • Iran Seeks Positive Engagement with EU, Says Araghchi

    Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has expressed optimism about improving relations between Iran and the European Union, particularly during Poland’s six-month presidency of the EU. In a call with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, they discussed bilateral ties, regional issues, and nuclear concerns. Araghchi emphasized Iran’s dialogue-based approach and readiness for various scenarios, while Sikorski highlighted their long-standing diplomatic relations. In a separate call with British Foreign Minister David Lammy, Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear activities and support for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, cautioning against rising tensions in Yemen due to military actions.

  • Iran Moves Forward with Conditional Approval of Palermo Convention Accession

    Iran’s conditional approval to join the Palermo Convention marks a pivotal step toward aligning with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, potentially allowing it to exit the international money laundering blacklist and regain access to global banking. The Expediency Council announced this decision, emphasizing compliance with the Constitution. However, it faces strong opposition from over 150 hardline lawmakers concerned about UN sanctions and the risks of compromising sovereignty. Discussions on the related Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) bill are expected to continue, making the coming months critical for Iran’s economic prospects and international relations as it navigates internal political dynamics.

  • Unlocking Solutions: How Data Science Can Tackle the Global Food Crisis

    In the fight for global food security amid climate change and resource scarcity, data science is emerging as a crucial ally. Farmers worldwide are utilizing advanced technologies like soil sensors, satellite imagery, and artificial intelligence to enhance agricultural practices and ensure sustainability. These innovations help optimize resource use and improve crop health monitoring. For instance, mobile apps are aiding farmers in drought-stricken areas with tailored advice. However, challenges like the digital divide persist, limiting access for smallholder farmers. Ultimately, while data science is not a panacea for hunger, it provides powerful tools for creating a more sustainable food future.