On 25th July 2025, the Asian Policy Dialogue under the theme “Sustaining Collaboration: Advancing the Future of National Preparedness Partnerships” was held at the Celestine Ballroom, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This timely and strategic gathering was part of the broader third phase of the Asian Preparedness Partnership (APP), a flagship localization initiative of the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC).
The event convened high-level policymakers, regional experts, and representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector across Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Among the key dignitaries present was Hon. Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka, who delivered remarks emphasizing Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional resilience and localization of disaster risk reduction (DRR).
Launched in 2016, the APP has evolved over three distinct phases. The current phase (2023–2026) focuses on consolidating National Preparedness Partnerships (NPPs), supporting subnational preparedness, and strengthening regional cooperation. With the year 2025 marking the midpoint of Phase III, the Asian Policy Dialogue served as a vital forum for reflecting on lessons learned, identifying future pathways, and reaffirming the shared vision of locally led, multi-stakeholder partnerships for resilience.
During the session, delegates deliberated on the key challenges and opportunities in empowering vulnerable communities, securing sustainable financing mechanisms, and enhancing local leadership in DRR and climate adaptation. The discussions also addressed coordination structures, strategic planning, and the long-term sustainability of NPPs beyond project cycles.
Organized by ADPC under the APP framework and hosted by the Sri Lanka Preparedness Partnership (SLPP), the event built upon insights gathered from earlier country-level workshops and reflection meetings held in the days leading up to the dialogue. As part of a continuum of strategic events, the Asian Policy Dialogue complemented efforts to finalize national action plans, strengthen cross-sectoral engagement, and deepen regional collaboration under the APP.
As countries across Asia confront increasingly complex climate and disaster risks, the dialogue underscored the importance of investing in locally driven preparedness systems, knowledge exchange, and inclusive governance models. By fostering unity and collective action among APP member countries, the event reaffirmed the region’s commitment to a whole-of-society approach to disaster resilience.
