The successful conclusion of the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Islamabad marks a defining moment for regional cooperation in a world increasingly shaped by climate-induced crises. The adoption of the Islamabad Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction is not merely a diplomatic milestone; it is a collective pledge by ECO Member States to confront disasters with unity, science, preparedness and compassion.
From floods and earthquakes to droughts and heat waves, the ECO region lies on one of the most disaster-prone belts of the world. Climate change has accelerated the frequency, intensity and unpredictability of these hazards, pushing governments and communities alike into a state of perpetual vulnerability. Against this backdrop, the Islamabad Declaration sends a powerful message: regional challenges require regional solutions, and fragmented responses are no longer sufficient.
Pakistan’s leadership in hosting this crucial gathering deserves special appreciation. Through the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Pakistan has transformed painful national experiences of floods, earthquakes and climate shocks into institutional knowledge and technological capacity. The offer to make Pakistan’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) an ECO hub for disaster planning, joint simulations, early warning and coordinated response reflects a mature, outward-looking approach that prioritizes collective security over narrow national interests. It is a practical and visionary step that can significantly raise the preparedness level of the entire region.
Equally significant is the Meeting’s endorsement of concrete, action-oriented initiatives. The proposed Land Hazard Zonation Map, real-time seismic data sharing, strengthened joint search and rescue capacities, and improved logistics and risk communication mechanisms indicate a shift from declarations to delivery. Turkiye’s offer to establish a Regional Seismic Data Centre adds a strong scientific backbone to this framework, while collaboration with organizations such as UNESCAP, APDIM and UNICEF ensures that global best practices inform regional action.
What makes the Islamabad Declaration particularly noteworthy is its people-centered philosophy. By emphasizing women, youth, older persons and persons with disabilities, the ECO has acknowledged that disasters are not only physical events but social tests of inclusion and equity. Resilience is strongest when it is built from the ground up, empowering those most at risk and integrating local knowledge with modern technology. The initiative to develop child-friendly educational material on disaster preparedness is a forward-looking investment in the region’s future.
The political commitment expressed by ministers and senior officials from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Iran and Turkmenistan underscores a shared realization: disasters do not respect borders, and neither should preparedness. By aligning ECO’s disaster framework with global standards such as the Sendai Framework and ECO Strategic Objectives 2035, the region has positioned itself as a responsible and proactive actor in global disaster governance.
Federal Minister Dr. Musadiq Malik rightly observed that climate disasters are no longer distant threats but present realities. The Islamabad Declaration reflects this urgency and translates it into a roadmap for collective action. Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik’s pledge to share Pakistan’s expertise through the NEOC reinforces Islamabad’s role as a regional hub for resilience and innovation.
The real test, however, lies ahead: implementation. With robust follow-up mechanisms through the ECO Secretariat and regular progress reviews, the region must ensure that commitments evolve into measurable outcomes. If sustained with political will and regional solidarity, the Islamabad Declaration can become a landmark in safeguarding millions of lives and livelihoods across the ECO region.
In an era of escalating climate risks, Islamabad has given the ECO a powerful compass. It is now up to member states to follow it with determination and unity.