The ASEAN community has long recognised the importance of solidarity and collaboration, in mitigating the impacts of disasters, and enhancing resilience among member states. Hence, the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management Meeting, ACDM serves as a critical platform to unite all members in disaster management. The matter was touched upon by the Acting Permanent Secretary for Safety and Welfare at the Ministry of Home Affairs during the Opening Ceremony of the 44th ACDM, this morning at a hotel in Gadong.

Dayang Nor Hamidah binti Haji Hamidon also said, as ASEAN continues to grow rapidly, it is important to continue to strengthen relations, and cooperate by sharing best practices and exchanging knowledge, in enhancing disaster management strategies, which will be able to better protect communities and reduce losses of life. This year's meeting is themed 'Building a resilient ASEAN through inclusive and sustainable disaster recovery'.