From Aid Recipient to Global Anchor: CADIS International at the Launch of Taiwan’s Landmark Disaster Governance Body

By the Director of CADIS International

Twenty-seven years ago, the ground beneath central Taiwan fractured in a catastrophic 7.3 magnitude tremor. The 1999 Jiji earthquake claimed more than 2,400 lives and flattened over 100,000 structures, marking the island nation's most devastating post-war disaster. In the dark hours following the quake, international support poured in—38 search-and-rescue teams, over 700 specialists, and 103 rescue dogs from 21 nations crossed oceans to pull survivors from the rubble.

Fast forward to September 19, 2026: on the eve of Taiwan’s National Disaster Prevention Day, I had the privilege of attending the official launch of the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM) in Taipei. The milestone represents Taiwan’s first self-initiated intergovernmental organization in 55 years, signaling a profound transformation from a country once saved by global solidarity into a primary architect of international disaster resilience.

A Global Shield Built on Shared Hardship

Speaking to delegation leaders at the Presidential Office, President Lai Ching-te framed the launch around memory and gratitude. "Twenty-seven years ago, countries around the world came to Taiwan to help us," Lai remarked. "Twenty-seven years later, it is Taiwan's turn to contribute to the world."

An Independent Platform for Humanitarian Cooperation

As the sole representative of a faith-based organization at the summit—representing CADIS (Camillian Disaster Service International)—I observed firsthand the unique geopolitical and operational necessity driving this initiative. Because Taiwan has no representation at the United Nations or on its various emergency and humanitarian aid committees, it conceived WADM as an independent framework. Functioning almost parallel to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), WADM serves as a direct bridge between Taiwan and its global partners.

The inaugural meeting convened over 200 delegates in Taipei, showcasing a broad coalition across five continents:

• Government Delegations: Official representatives from small island states in the South Pacific, the Philippines, Timor-Leste, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Taiwan's diplomatic allies.
• Broader International Observers: Local governments and international non-governmental organizations from the United States, Germany, Japan, Türkiye, and Poland.
• Diplomatic & Faith-Based Presence: The opening ceremony included diplomatic representatives, notably Monsignor Stefano, Chargé d’Affaires of the Holy See in Taiwan, alongside international humanitarian groups like our own Camillian ministry.

What WADM Offers—and What It Expects from Partners

In my conversations with fellow international partners and organizers regarding our contribution to this alliance, the scope of Taiwan's commitment became remarkably clear.

What WADM offers to member states and partner organizations:

• Immediate Response & Technical Support: An agile, direct mechanism for emergency response during natural and man-made disasters.
• Full Financial & Technical Backing: Taiwan is offering financial support and technical expertise for various training programs, placing no financial burden on its partners.
• High-Level Training Facilities: Delegations visited the National Fire Agency (NFA) Training Center in Zhushan, Nantou County—the largest compound disaster training base in Asia and third-largest in the world. Through the NFA, high-level training and technology will be shared with both public and private groups.
• Technological Innovation: Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung highlighted that Taiwan will leverage its national strengths in artificial intelligence (AI), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones), satellite communications, and smart manufacturing to modernize global disaster governance.

What WADM expects in return: WADM asks for no financial contributions from its partners. Instead, it expects active collaboration in disaster preparedness and response, as well as the sharing of operational expertise and best practices. A newly formed Council will lead these coordinated efforts moving forward, operating directly out of the alliance's headquarters in Taiwan.

"Prepare Better Together"

Reflecting on the UN's Sendai Framework principle of "Building Back Better," President Lai emphasized that the alliance seeks to shift global focus upstream: "Our goal is not only to build back better, but also to prepare better together."

For participating nations and civil society partners—including small island nations vulnerable to severe climate events—the alliance delivers immediate, practical backing. As Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch of Palau noted during the summit, "Taiwan is not only a leader in semiconductors and healthcare; it is also leading the way in disaster preparedness and management."

Headquartered in Taipei, WADM joins the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center (1970) and the World Vegetable Center (1971) as the third global organization based in the country. For CADIS International and our fellow humanitarian partners, this alliance opens a vital new avenue for localized, rapid, and tech-driven disaster response across the globe.