From 11 to 15 August 2025 in Ha Noi, the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA) coordinated with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) to organize the Workshop and the 5th Meeting of the ASEAN Disaster Information Management Network (AIM-Net).
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This annual activity is an important part of the AIM-Net Work Plan, marking its fifth year of implementation with significant achievements. The event gathered representatives from the National Disaster Management Organisations of ASEAN Member States, members of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT), as well as observers from the ASEAN Secretariat and Timor-Leste.
The ASEAN Disaster Information Management Network (AIM-Net) serves as a crucial platform to strengthen regional cooperation in disaster information management. This year’s meeting holds a special milestone as members discuss and agree on developing the Minimum Standards for Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) operations, aiming for flexible application at both national and local levels across ASEAN. The network also acts as a forum connecting technical officers, experts, and managers to share knowledge, experiences, and jointly develop common guidelines for information management and system operations.
Speaking at the opening session, Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Deputy Director General of VDDMA, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam, highlighted that this meeting carries special significance. “AIM-Net has become an essential platform for enhancing regional cooperation in disaster information management. This year marks an important milestone – our joint effort to develop the Minimum Standards for Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) operations, which can be adapted and applied at the local level across ASEAN. This work reflects our shared commitment under Article 18 of the AADMER, especially in promoting technical cooperation, training, and establishing common standards.”
Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Deputy Director General of VDDMA
Viet Nam remains steadfast in its vision of “One ASEAN, One Response” and is determined to strengthen joint preparedness capacities. As a country frequently affected by natural disasters, Viet Nam fully understands the importance of well-coordinated, standardized, and interconnected EOCs. Experience in Viet Nam has proven that such systems are vital to ensuring timely, accurate, and effective responses – particularly in a disaster-prone region like ours.
Mr. Son encouraged all delegates to actively engage in the upcoming discussion sessions, sharing their experiences, lessons learned, and innovative ideas. He emphasized that this workshop is a valuable opportunity for mutual learning and for identifying common solutions suitable for all ASEAN Member States.
The program for this year’s event includes: thematic sessions on developing EOC Minimum Standards; a field visit to the Emergency Operations Centre of VDDMA; the “One ASEAN One Response” Roadshow; and the 5th AIM-Net Meeting.
Mr. Sithu Pe Thein, Director of Operations of the AHA Centre, also addressed the opening session.
On behalf of VDDMA Viet Nam, Mr. Son expressed his sincere appreciation to the AHA Centre, the AIM-Net Co-Chair from Myanmar’s Disaster Management Department, and all AIM-Net members for their support in co-hosting this important event. He also warmly welcomed the observers from the ASEAN Secretariat and Timor-Leste.
