By Zoila Palma: Belize has joined 12 other countries as a founding member of the newly established World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), an international organization aimed at strengthening cooperation in disaster preparedness, response and risk management. The establishment of the Alliance was formalized during inaugural activities held in Taipei, Taiwan, from September 19 to 21, 2026.
A Belizean delegation led by Rolando Zetina, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, participated in the inaugural activities.
The establishment of WADM was formalized through the signing of a resolution, bringing together representatives from 21 countries for discussions on strengthening international disaster management cooperation.
WADM will focus on joint training, mutual assistance, information and technology sharing, and capacity building for disaster preparedness and response.
For Belize, membership provides an opportunity to strengthen international partnerships as the country continues to face hazards including hurricanes and tropical storms, flooding, storm surge, drought and other events that can affect communities, infrastructure and national development.
During the inaugural closed plenary meeting, Belize was entrusted with the Vice Presidency of WADM and is expected to assume the Presidency at the next WADM Conference.
Zetina said Belize looks forward to using the Alliance to strengthen practical cooperation, stating, “As we establish WADM, Belize looks forward to working with Taiwan and all participating countries to build a platform where expertise can be shared, relationships can be strengthened, and practical cooperation can take place before a disaster occurs, rather than only after one happens.”
The programme also included a visit to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency Training Center in Nantou County, where participants exchanged experiences and learned about Taiwan’s disaster management capabilities.
At the opening ceremony, Taiwan President Lai Ching-te highlighted the importance of international cooperation in disaster prevention, preparedness, response and relief, describing WADM as the first intergovernmental organization spearheaded and established by Taiwan in 55 years.
Belize’s participation builds on its ongoing cooperation with Taiwan in disaster risk management and reinforces its commitment to strengthening national preparedness, capacity and resilience through international collaboration.
The post Belize joins 12 countries to launch Global Disaster Management Alliance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize has joined 12 other countries as a founding member of the newly established World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), an international organization aimed at strengthening cooperation in disaster preparedness, response and risk management. The establishment of the Alliance was formalized during inaugural activities held in Taipei, Taiwan, from September 19 to
The post Belize joins 12 countries to launch Global Disaster Management Alliance appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
