ECO Adopts Islamabad Declaration to Strengthen Regional Disaster Resilience -

PAKISTAN – 10 ECO Ministerial Meeting

The 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) concluded in Islamabad on Wednesday with the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction, reaffirming the collective resolve of ECO Member States to enhance regional cooperation, disaster resilience, and coordinated action against natural hazards.

Held from January 21–22, 2026, the two-day meeting was hosted by Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on behalf of the Government of Pakistan. It brought together ministers, heads of delegations, and senior officials from ECO Member States, alongside representatives of regional and international organizations. Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik chaired the sessions, while Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environment Coordination Dr. Musadiq Malik attended the closing ceremony as chief guest.

The meeting reviewed outcomes of the High-Level Working Group and endorsed key decisions aligned with the Izmir Treaty, ECO Vision 2025, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Islamabad Declaration 2025 emphasized strengthening disaster preparedness, risk governance, early warning systems, and institutional coordination across the ECO region.

Delegates from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan highlighted growing climate-induced risks and stressed the need for harmonized regional frameworks, joint training, simulation exercises, and real-time seismic data sharing. Türkiye’s offer to establish a Regional Seismic Data Centre was welcomed.

A key outcome was Pakistan’s offer to utilize NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) as an ECO hub for disaster risk reduction planning, joint simulations, and shared analytical products. Member States agreed to consider NEOC-based models as scalable regional frameworks.

The meeting also endorsed initiatives including land hazard zonation mapping, improved risk communication, enhanced search and rescue coordination, and diversified financial and material support. Collaboration with partners such as UNESCAP, APDIM, and UNICEF was strengthened, including endorsement of a new two-year work plan with UNICEF Tajikistan.

Addressing the closing session, Dr. Musadiq Malik said climate-induced disasters are a present reality, underscoring the need for inclusive, science-based and people-centered regional action. Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik said the Islamabad Declaration represents a shared commitment to safeguarding communities across the ECO region through cooperation and preparedness.

ECO delegates appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality and reaffirmed their commitment to translating regional commitments into concrete action. – ER News Desk

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