The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami resulted in widespread loss of human life and livelihoods, severe damage to infrastructure and ecosystems and large economic costs. Following this disaster, leaders across Asia and the Pacific recognized the criticality of coordinated and long-term preparedness and prevention efforts to mitigate the impacts of disaster risks.
Established in 2005, the ESCAP Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness represented a regional commitment to strengthening early warning systems. As a result, 23 countries have directly benefited through building regional and national end-to-end, interoperable warning systems for coastal hazards. By pooling resources, the Trust Fund facilitates South-South cooperation to strengthen disaster resilience in high-risk, low-capacity countries and to ultimately reduce disaster loss and damage.
The 26th Advisory Council meeting is an ad-hoc meeting called for the purpose of taking key decisions related to the 2025-2030 Trust Fund Strategy and future programming. Current Advisory Council members are Governments of India, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Sweden, and Switzerland. All countries participating in programming and former donors to the Trust Fund are invited to Advisory Council meetings as observers.
Provisional Agenda:
- Opening Session
- Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness Strategy 2025-2030 and discussion
- Financial matters and new programme concepts
- Other matters and closing
