A-PAD and Taskforce Kiwi Unite to Strengthen Regional Resilience in the Asia Pacific
With the growing complexity and frequency of natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region, the call for stronger partnerships between its nations is urgent, now more than ever.
Marking a new chapter in regional disaster resilience, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) and Taskforce Kiwi (TF Kiwi) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), forging a shared commitment to enhancing disaster resilience in the region.
The international collaboration aims to unite the skills and experience of A-PAD and TF Kiwi’s networks. The MOU outlines a broad, multifaceted partnership designed to address some of the most pressing needs in disaster response and resilience building. At its core, it ensures that A-PAD and TF Kiwi will provide mutual aid during humanitarian operations, filling critical gaps that may emerge during times of crisis. The other areas of support encompasses training and capacity building initiatives and the exchange of knowledge and data.
The ceremonial signing of the agreement took place virtually in the presence of Mr. Richard Adams, National Director, Taskforce Kiwi, Mr. Bevan Killick, Board Chair, Taskforce Kiwi, Ms. Tess Langworthy, National Communications Manager, Taskforce Kiwi, Prof. Quazi Quamruzzaman, Chairman, A-PAD, Ms. Kaori Neki, Director, Head of Management Office, A-PAD, Mr. Firzan Hashim, Chief Operating Officer, A-PAD, Ms. Rochelle Scharenguivel, Program Coordinator – Research and Advocacy, A-PAD SL, and Ms. Raeesha Ikram, Partnerships and Communications Officer, A-PAD SL.
During the event, it was noted that the increasing frequency of global disasters underscores the need for stronger connections and coordinated efforts, with the MOU serving as a unifying force to address the complexities of disaster response. It was also highlighted that this partnership has the potential to enhance resource mobilization and ensure timely aid delivery. This milestone event reflected the unwavering commitment of A-PAD and TF Kiwi to build a safer and more resilient Asia-Pacific.
About Taskforce Kiwi and A-PAD
Taskforce Kiwi’s is a New Zealand-based non-government and non-profit organization dedicated to assisting disaster-affected communities. With the strength of over 650 volunteers, TF Kiwi has been instrumental in responding to floods in New Zealand and crises in Australia, Vanuatu, Canada, and the US.
Headquartered in Japan, the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PAD) is a transnational alliance for providing disaster aid and operates in 7 countries. It serves as a multi-sectoral platform that works to facilitate cooperation and understanding between governments, private companies and NGOs in the Asia Pacific region for effective disaster management.
