APDRC - Disaster Risk Reduction

ABOUT US

The Asia Pacific Disaster Resilience Centre (APDRC) was launched in September 2016 as the very first Red Cross Reference Centre in the Asia Pacific, jointly initiated by the Republic of Korea National Red Cross (KNRC) and the IFRC.

The Red Cross Red Crescent network supported by the Secretariat has established a number of reference centres over the past two decades that work to strengthen National Society service delivery in specific thematic areas. The reference centres vary in their services, but most undertake activities such as technical assistance, knowledge management and facilitating cooperation amongst stakeholders. Although the details of what they do and how they conduct their activities differ, a constant theme across all Red Cross Red Crescent reference centres is that they contribute their expertise and resources to consolidating and disseminating knowledge contained within the Red Cross Red Crescent network for the benefit of all members.

Acknowledging an increasing number of natural disasters and emerging humanitarian issues in Asia and the Pacific, the Republic of Korea National Red Cross (KNRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Asia Pacific Regional Office have jointly initiated the establishment of the region’s first reference centre on disaster risk reduction and community resilience to provide an intermediary service as well as introduce innovation and technology to the 38 Asia Pacific National Societies.

WHAT DO WE AIM FOR?

Its goals are to:

Manage and share information by learning, documenting, improving and disseminating existing models and cases
Conduct researches on issues pertaining to community resilience and humanitarian actions
Promote and implement resilience policies and strategies
Provide technical assistance to support resilience efforts of Asia Pacific National societies and partners
Create networks and partnerships among Asia Pacific National Societies and partners by reinforcing advocacy and communication

The Centre’s vision is envisaged as follows:

COVER DEEPER: covering in-depths topics related to reducing disaster risks and strengthening community resilience
SPREAD BETTER: upholding the collaborative networks with partners
REACH FURTHER: applying its enhanced learning and knowledge to all Asia Pacific National Societies and partners

The following video clip further articulates the mission, functions and key approaches of the Centre.