BY LINDELWA MYENI
MBABANE – Eswatini has gained a new international platform to strengthen disaster preparedness, access shared technology and expertise, and improve coordinated responses to emergencies after joining 12 other founding countries in establishing the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM) in Taipei, Taiwan, on 19 September 2026.
Eswatini was represented at the establishment of the Alliance by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla, in her capacity as Minister responsible for Disaster Risk Management.
The WADM brings together 13 founding member countries, 17 observer organisations and 11 partner organisations, creating a platform for international cooperation in disaster risk management, preparedness, response, recovery and resilience-building.
The Alliance will facilitate the sharing of information and technology, strengthen disaster management capacities, and support joint training, exercises and coordinated action among its members.
The initiative began on 18 September 2026 with a welcome dinner, during which Dladla delivered remarks on behalf of the founding members.
She identified three principles to guide the Alliance’s work: inclusive disaster preparedness, people-centred technology development and demonstrating solidarity through practical action.
Dladla also highlighted the importance of early warning systems in building a safer world for current and future generations.
The WADM was officially launched on 19 September 2026 by President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), His Excellency Lai Ching-te, who affirmed Taiwan’s readiness to share its experience and strengthen global cooperation in disaster management.
Through the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA), Eswatini participated in sessions where the Alliance’s resolution, statutes, regulations and rules were discussed and adopted.
The establishment of the WADM provides Eswatini with an expanded avenue for learning from international disaster-management experience while strengthening cooperation on preparedness, technology, training and coordinated responses.
The development also reinforces Eswatini’s commitment to building stronger disaster resilience and promoting practical measures that can contribute to safer and better-prepared communities.
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