ISLAMABAD: The 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Disaster Risk Reduction concluded in Islamabad on Thursday with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction reaffirming member states commitment to enhanced regional cooperation and disaster resilience.

Hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority on behalf of the Government of Pakistan, the two day meeting held from January 21 to 22 brought together ministers senior officials and representatives from ECO member states, along with regional and international organizations. NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik chaired the sessions while Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environment Coordination Dr Musadiq Malik attended the closing ceremony.

The meeting reviewed progress under the High Level Working Group and endorsed measures to strengthen disaster preparedness risk governance and resilience, in line with the Izmir Treaty ECO Vision 2025 and the Sendai Framework. Delegates highlighted increasing climate induced disaster risks and emphasized the need for improved coordination, early warning systems and capacity building.

A key outcome was the endorsement of Pakistan’s proposal to use NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center as a regional hub for planning, training, simulations and anticipatory action. The meeting also approved initiatives including land hazard zonation mapping, seismic data sharing, joint search and rescue operations and coordinated relief efforts.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive and people-centered disaster risk reduction and appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality.