ISLAMABAD, Friday, June 20, 2025 (WNP): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)—a key think tank under the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)—on Friday formalized a new partnership through the signing of a Letter of Agreement (LOA), aimed at promoting collaborative research and policy engagement on disaster preparedness and related national challenges.

The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term, strategic alliance between the two institutions to foster dialogue and academic inquiry on critical issues including disaster risk reduction, climate change, emerging response strategies, and regional cooperation.

The LOA was signed by Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director Administration and head of the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at ISSI, and Tanveer Paracha, Executive Director of NIDM. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, and Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Chairman of NDMA.

Addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik underscored the importance of setting clear goals and measurable outcomes to ensure the success of the partnership. He called for leveraging previous research, sharing best practices, and translating knowledge into actionable policy recommendations. He also stressed the need to expand the reach of disaster management initiatives to the provincial level for greater national impact.

Highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies and artificial intelligence, Lt Gen Inam encouraged both institutions to engage proactively through joint simulation exercises, policy forums, and knowledge-sharing platforms.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood described the agreement as the foundation of a close and purposeful partnership between ISSI and NDMA. He emphasized the importance of a structured implementation plan with clearly defined timelines to achieve shared objectives. He also commended NIDM for its expanding footprint and specialized work in disaster management.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Tanveer Paracha elaborated on NIDM’s mandate and growing national and international presence, reaffirming the institute’s commitment to collaborative, evidence-based policy development.

The signing of this LOA signals a joint resolve to advance resilience and preparedness through integrated research, innovation, and institutional synergy.