Eswatini has become one of 13 founding member countries of the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), launched in Taipei, Taiwan, on September 19, 2026. The alliance aims to promote cooperation across the disaster management cycle, including preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience-building. This development opens opportunities for Eswatini to deepen cooperation, access international expertise, and strengthen community and critical system resilience.
The WADM brings together governments and disaster management organisations to enhance cooperation and coordination. Currently, it comprises 13 member countries, 17 observer organisations, and 11 partner organisations. Eswatini's participation provides a platform for engaging with other countries and organisations on disaster risk management, including information-sharing, technology, training, and coordinated action.
Deputy Prime Minister Senator Thulisile Dladla, representing Eswatini, formally marked the establishment of the WADM by signing and adopting its founding resolution. She delivered remarks on behalf of the founding members, highlighting three guiding principles: inclusive disaster preparedness, people-centred technology development, and demonstrating solidarity through practical action. Dladla also emphasised the importance of early warning systems in building a safer world.
The WADM's focus on preparedness and early warning has significant implications for economic resilience. Disasters can disrupt businesses, infrastructure, public services, supply chains, and livelihoods. Strengthening countries' ability to anticipate and respond to disasters through cooperation could reduce disruption and enhance community and institution recovery capacity.
The alliance is expected to facilitate joint training, exercises, information-sharing, and coordinated action among member countries. Taiwan's government has stated that the platform will promote joint training, mutual assistance, and information-sharing among participating countries and organisations. This cooperation may support efforts to reduce disaster-related impacts and enhance recovery capacity.
Technology plays a central role in the WADM's disaster management cooperation. This area is becoming increasingly important as countries seek more effective ways to monitor risks, communicate warnings, and coordinate emergency responses. Eswatini's involvement through the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) provides an avenue for participating in discussions on practical applications of these approaches.
The NDRMA participated in sessions where the WADM's resolution, statutes, regulations, and rules were discussed and adopted. With this membership, Eswatini can engage in international discussions on disaster risk management and explore new technologies and strategies to enhance its disaster management capabilities.
Key points
- Eswatini joins 12 other countries as founding members of the World Alliance for Disaster Management.
- The alliance aims to promote cooperation across the disaster management cycle, including preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience-building.
- Eswatini's participation provides access to international expertise, technology, and coordinated action on disaster risk management.
