The International Association of Emergency Management Africa (IAEM Africa) says it will focus on local knowledge and expertise in developing the framework for disaster management on the continent.

The president of IAEM Africa, Susan Agada, stated this at the IAEM Africa inaugural symposium in Abuja on Monday.

According to Ms Agada, building an Africa-centred resilient and adaptive disaster management framework is imperative because most frameworks without sufficient African involvement do not work on the continent.

Ms Agada said that the framework would not only strengthen responses to emergency crises but also anticipate and mitigate them, thereby safeguarding communities and fostering sustainable development.

“The IAEM Africa platform will leverage African expertise to ensure that the continent has a voice in the discourse on environmental issues around the world.

“Currently, Africa is the least contributor to the factors that create climate change, but our voice is the smallest in the discourse.

“Therefore, the goal of IAEM Africa is to draw needed attention to our issues using our own voice.

“The goal is to bring together our wealth of professionals in Africa and other resources and communicate our issues to the world,’’ she said.

Ms Agada, however, said that, while prioritising African-led solutions, the association would seek resources and partnerships beyond African borders.

“Our vision is to ensure that Africa sets the terms of engagements with international partners with dignity and sovereignty.

“By controlling our narrative and strategy, we can ensure that external support complements our initiatives rather than dictates them,” she said.

She stressed the need to speak with one voice in addressing the myriad challenges confronting Africa, particularly threats posed by climate change.

“This unified voice will enable us to address disaster-related challenges more effectively, leveraging our collective strengths and expertise.

“Together, we can transform the landscape of disaster management in Africa, ensuring that our continent is better prepared, more resilient, and able to thrive in the face of adversity,” she said.

Also speaking, Zubaida Umar, Director-General (D-G), National Emergency Management Agency, stressed the need for robust and coordinated emergency management strategies for Africa.

Ms Umar, who was represented by Onu Mode, Director of Planning and Research, said that the IAEM Africa provided the needed platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing among emergency management professionals.

Similarly, Florence Wenegieme, acting DG, Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department, said that IAEM Africa would significantly impact disaster management and response in Africa.

She urged the association to strengthen networking among disaster management professionals in Africa and promote the adaptation of technology-driven innovations in disaster management.

“In the area of disaster management, we cannot run away from innovations, knowledge sharing, capacity building and technology-driven rescue operations in line with global practices,” she said.

Also, Abbas Idriss, the pioneer DG of the FCT Emergency Management Agency, said that disaster response is a multi-facet, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency activity that requires networking to share information, expertise and resources.

Mr Idriss spoke on a paper, “Communication, Coordination, Cooperation, and Collaboration: A Multi-Agency Approach for Effective/Efficient Disaster Management across Africa.”

According to him, understanding communication, coordination, cooperation and collaboration will enable emergency managers to work more effectively and efficiently in responding to disasters and minimising the impact on communities across Africa.

The executive members inaugurated were Amina Saba as secretary, Emenike Umesi as head of planning and research, and Jaiye Dukiya as director of programmes.

Others are Abbas Idriss as membership coordinator; Andrew Obafemi as partnership liaison; Usman Kibon, head, training and development officer; and Femi Giwa, deputy training and development officer.

Also inaugurated are Rhoda Sadus as communication specialist; Victor Ogah as event coordinator; and Akiode Saheed as deputy event coordinator. 

(NAN)