Ahsan Iqbal urges participants of NDRC seminar to learn from China’s experience, success in disaster management

BEIJING, Jun 29 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Prof Ahsan Iqbal, met the participants for the Seminar on “Emergency Management and Disaster Prevention”, to be hosted by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China from 23 to 29 June 2026.

During the meeting, the Minister congratulated the participants on their selection and reflected on his meeting with the NDRC Chairman in September 2025, where he had highlighted Pakistan’s need to advance its practices and strengthen national resilience in emergency management and disaster prevention.

The NDRC responded to this shared priority through the organization of this seminar. The Minister urged the participants to learn from China’s experience and success in disaster management, and to represent themselves as responsible ambassadors of Pakistan-China friendship.

Following the Minister’s guidance, the opening ceremony of the Seminar on Emergency Management and Disaster Prevention for Pakistan was held at the National Development and Reform Commission headquarters in Beijing, China on 23rd June, 2026, marking an important step in strengthening Pakistan-China cooperation on disaster preparedness, emergency response and climate resilience.

Her Excellency Ms. Wan Qian, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Liu Shunzhang, Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation and Rescue, Ministry of Emergency Management, addressed the ceremony and reaffirmed China’s continued readiness to support Pakistan in disaster management and emergency response.

In their remarks, the Chinese side recalled that China has always stood with Pakistan in difficult times, including earthquakes, the 2010 and 2022 floods, the COVID-19 pandemic and other national emergencies.

They also appreciated the participation of a diverse group of professionals from Pakistan’s ministries, provincial disaster management authorities and related organizations, and expressed interest in further exchanges and continued collaboration.

Their message reflected the depth of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and China’s commitment to sharing experience, knowledge and institutional support with Pakistan.

The Pakistani side highlighted that, following the successful high-level visit of Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, to China and his meeting with President Xi Jinping, this seminar represents another important step in advancing the shared commitment to high quality CPEC development.

The seminar was also highlighted as a first step towards realizing the broader objectives of the Green Corridor under CPEC 2.0, particularly by advancing cooperation in climate resilience, disaster preparedness, early warning systems, flood management, urban resilience and sustainable development.

The Pakistani side also expressed deep appreciation for China’s consistent support and its readiness to stand by Pakistan in times of need.

Under CPEC 2.0, Pakistan China cooperation is moving beyond infrastructure towards institutional capacity, climate resilience and sustainable development.

The seminar will help Pakistani institutions draw on China’s experience in emergency management and disaster prevention to strengthen national resilience frameworks, improve preparedness systems and support Pakistan’s broader climate policy agenda.

The seminar includes key representatives from several Federal and Provincial Departments, including Planning, Disaster Management, Climate Change, Water Resources, Capital Development Authority, National Disaster Risk Management Fund, Forestry Department, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, and Pakistan Institute of Development Economics.