UN STRATEGIC COORDINATION FORUM 

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, March 17,  2022: the meeting of the Strategic Coordination Forum for Disaster Management (SCF – DM established in 2016) was held in Islamabad. The meeting was co-chaired by the Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Akhtar Nawaz HI (M) and Mr. Julien Harneis, UN Resident Coordinator. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination among the UN agencies, Disaster management authorities, and partner organizations with a focus on various initiatives for Disaster Management.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman NDMA stressed the need for developing risk understanding, preparedness, and coordination amongst all disaster management stakeholders to mitigate and respond to disasters. The Chairman further informed the forum that NDMA is implementing various initiatives to strengthen the disaster management system in-country including revision/updating of National Disaster Management Plan, strengthening coordination mechanism among all stakeholders, and implementing various projects to mitigate the impacts of urban flooding and increase resilience.

  On the occasion, Mr. Julien Harneis, UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan reiterated the usefulness of the forum. He appreciated the Governments’ performance in handling COVID-19 Pandemic. He further mentioned that the varying effects of climate change on societies and the challenges accruing from the likely water crisis in Pakistan was a significant risk and could pose significant challenges in the future. He appreciated NDMA’s plan to hold a national-level simulation exercise to streamline procedures and strengthen coordination amongst various stakeholders.

On the occasion representatives of different departments also shared departmental updates and perspectives for enhancing coordination and better preparedness. The meeting was attended by the DGs of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, GBDMA, SDMA, Pak Met Department, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, CEO National Disaster Risk Management Fund (PDF), and Executive Director Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), besides senior officials of NDMA and Country Directors and representatives of UN agencies.