The recent rise of disasters in Pakistan and the consequent damages to life and property have shaken the nation. These unprecedented catastrophic incidents remind us to work tirelessly to meet successfully for the future environmental challenges.
During the recent disasters in Azad Kashmir and devastating floods of river Indus have affected millions of people in Pakistan; leaving behind miserable heart touching stories. At the most difficult times of the national history, the Rapid Emergency Response by government agencies, humanitarian organisations and the people of Pakistan was swift and gracious. They supported a large number of flood affected communities. All the organisations worked in every aspect of human need. International community also came forward immediately and helped the local authorities in managing Emergency Response.
The role of national and local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), particularly, appeared exceptionally outstanding. These organisations supported in addressing the rehabilitation issues of shelter, livelihood, education, health, women rights and other social support during the most difficult times of our history.
The 1st International Emergency Response Conference-2012 shall provide unique, productive and exciting opportunities to all the stakeholders through interactive and innovative sessions to share their contributions and learning, receive advanced knowledge for future planning and deliberate on emergency strategic plans for environmental challenges. The conference shall also provide excellent opportunities for networking and sharing ideas with like-minded organisations and individuals from all over the world. It is envisioned that this conference shall set the trend in national history to sustain the thinking process on protecting the human beings not only in Pakistan but around the globe.
The scope of the conference shall be academic where sessions shall be based on various aspects of the Conference theme. Social Development professionals, academicians and students, etc are particularly encouraged to participate.
I particularly thank Ministry of Climate Change, NDMA, Urban Search and Rescue Center, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Department of Civil Defence, Government of Pakistan, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Institute of Space Technology and all participating organisations for supporting this Conference. We believe that together we all can make history. I invite my friends, colleagues and every man and woman to come forward and join this cause - Healthy and Safe Environmental for All.