The severity and frequency of natural disasters has notably increased worldwide. Asia is the worst affected area in the world with about 90% of the total percentage of the affected population and with over 50% of the total number of deaths and economic losses respectively.

NGOs are important partners for governments and United Nations Agencies in creating more disaster-resilient societies. The development of the ADRRN website is an important step forward in sharing best practices and achieving excellence in disaster response and reduction among NGOs and other stakeholders involved in these activitites.

Asian NGOs do have experiences and knowledge that should be shared with the global community of NGOs. It is our hope that the website will lead to increased information sharing and enhanced cooperation between active NGOs in Asia and between the NGOs, governments and the UN family.

UN OCHA is proud of being able to support ADRRN and the development of this website. This website has also been supported by funds from USAID.

Terje Skavdal
Regional Disaster Response Advisor in Asia
UN OCHA, Kobe