Press Release, Belmopan, September 25, 2026. Belize has joined countries from across the world as one of thirteen founding members of the newly established World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), a new international organization focused on strengthening cooperation in disaster management.
A Belizean delegation led by Mr. Rolando Zetina, Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of the Public Service, Disaster Risk Management and Enterprise, travelled to Taipei, Taiwan, for the inaugural activities of WADM from September 19 to 21, 2026.
The establishment of WADM, formalized through the signing of a resolution, brought together representatives from 21 countries, marking a significant step in strengthening global disaster management efforts.
The WADM seeks to strengthen cooperation through joint training, mutual assistance, information and technology sharing, and capacity building in disaster preparedness and response.
For Belize, becoming a founding member strengthens its efforts to build practical international partnerships in disaster risk management. As a coastal country, Belize faces hurricanes and tropical storms, flooding, storm surge, drought, and other hazards 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 set to assume the Presidency at the next WADM Conference.
CEO Zetina highlighted the importance of the new Alliance, 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.”
At the opening ceremony, H.E. Lai Ching-te, President of the Republic of China (Taiwan), highlighted the importance of international cooperation in disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and relief, and described WADM as the first intergovernmental organization spearheaded and established by Taiwan in 55 years.
The programme also included a visit to Taiwan’s National Fire Agency Training Center in Nantou County, providing participants with an opportunity to exchange experiences and learn about Taiwan’s disaster management capabilities.
Belize’s participation in WADM builds on its ongoing cooperation with Taiwan in disaster risk management and reinforces its commitment to strengthening preparedness, capacity, and resilience through international collaboration.