(KPL)On June 10, The One ASEAN One Response (OAOR) Roadshow launched in Vientiane with a clear focus on enhancing disaster response mechanisms for both Lao PDR and the broader ASEAN community. Organised by the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare in partnership with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (the AHA Centre).

This event brought together key stakeholders to discuss regional cooperation and ASEAN regional disaster management mechanisms.

The primary objective of the OAOR roadshow is to introduce and reinforce the ASEAN regional disaster management mechanisms, demonstrating their connection with national and international frameworks. By fostering interoperability and cooperation, these mechanisms aim to improve the speed, scale, and solidarity of disaster response across ASEAN nations.

Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Leepao Yang,  and Mr Lee Yam Ming, Executive Director of the AHA Centre, opened the event with remarks underscoring the critical need for cohesive and collaborative disaster management strategies. Their speeches highlighted how the OAOR initiative can significantly bolster Lao PDR's disaster preparedness and response capabilities while contributing to a stronger, more resilient ASEAN region.

Director General of the Social Welfare Department Mr Vongkham Phanthanouvong, provided an in-depth presentation on Lao PDR's national disaster management and response mechanisms. This was followed by presentations from Mr Ky-Anh Nguyen of the ASEAN Secretariat and Mr Lawrence Anthony Dimailig of the AHA Centre, who detailed ASEAN’s disaster management frameworks and the AHA Centre’s role within these frameworks.

A key session on ASEAN-UN disaster management interoperability was delivered by Mr Agustin Orengo from UNOCHA, emphasising the integration of regional and international efforts in disaster response.

The discussions underscored the importance of each national agency’s role in supporting regional responses, ultimately aiming to realise the vision of One ASEAN One Response. By the end of the roadshow, participants had a clearer understanding of how these mechanisms can be leveraged to enhance disaster resilience in Lao PDR and across ASEAN.

KPL