On March 21 an international symposium on "Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Sustainable Emergency Health Care" was held at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka, Shahbagh in the city. It was organised by Community Initiative Society (CIS) and Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PADM) Bangladesh.

CIS and A-PADM are helping to establish a multi-sectoral platform of A-PAD Bangladesh for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) at the national level and strengthen the local community resilience and ensure the provision of effective and efficient coordination among relevant organizations including private sectors.

At the event Asaduzzaman Khan, Minister of Home Affairs stated, "We stand with you on this enormous challenge you have decided to take on. As disaster risks in Bangladesh continue to grow, new platforms are required to help ensure better co-ordination, community involvement in sustainable disaster risk management."

Ken Onishi, CEO of Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PADM) commented; "I think this is really great that Community Initiative Society along with A-PADM Bangladesh and Dhaka Community Hospital Trust has taken on the responsibility of the Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PADM), which works to develop humanitarian response capacity in disaster affected communities."

Golam Faruk Prince, lawmaker and Member of Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, "International disaster management experts are prepared to work with us to strengthen our infrastructure development process to protect our people better."

Professor Quazi Quamruzzaman, Chairman, CIS said: "Disasters in developing countries exacerbate poverty and create obstacles in achieving sustainable development. Creation of local, national or international platforms ensures a strong partnership between community and private sector. It would be a great sustainable initiative for 'Disaster Risk Management.' We look forward for a strong measure and global commitment to reduce the risk of disaster."

The international symposium was held in the presence of Asaduzzaman Khan, lawmaker, Minister of Home Affairs; Golam Faruk Prince, lawmaker, Member of Standing Committee on Ministry of Foreign Affairs ; Md. Golam Mostofa, Members Secretary and Executive Director of CIS; representatives from A-PADM Member Countries- Japan, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Philippines and Sri Lanka; participants from the Government of Bangladesh, Embassy of Japan, United Nations, different humanitarian sectors, local NGOs, university delegates and friends from print and electronic media.

Partners of Community Initiative Society (CIS), Dhaka Community Hospital Trust (DCHT); Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management (A-PADM), Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Bangladesh (A-PAD Bangladesh) representatives also participated in the symposium.