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Asean’s Evolution In Disaster Management.

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A new milestone has been reached by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the evolution of disaster management for the region. Recently, the Philippines Senate ratified the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), and with that the agreement is expected to enter into force by the end of 2009. The ratification marks a significant highlight in ASEANs collective efforts to build a disaster-resilient community by the year 2015. The agreement binds ASEAN member states into legal responsibilities to promote regional cooperation and collaboration in reducing disaster losses and intensifying joint emergency response to disasters in the ASEAN region.

Margareta Wahlstrm, the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction described the agreement as the first of its kind in the world, an agreement that oblige Asian states together to address disaster risk reduction and improve their preparedness for response. It also provides for the establishment of an ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre) to undertake operational coordination of activities under the Agreement. Since the signing of the AADMER agreement in 2005, ASEAN has put into place measures for standard operating procedures, training and capacity building, disaster information sharing, communication network, and rapid assessment team. Cyclone Nargis which affected Myanmar last year became a test bed for ASEAN coordinating mechanism and its role as the humanitarian bridge between the international community and the affected population.(i)

The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) was established
in 2003. Its formation elevated the institutional mechanism which has existed since the 1970s and comprised of experts group. The ACDM consists of heads of national agencies responsible for disaster management of ASEAN member countries. With the objective of having disaster-resilient nations and safer communities, ACDM developed an ASEAN Regional Programme on Disaster Management (ARPDM) which provided the framework for cooperation for the period 2004-2010. This regional programme consequently became the platform for cooperation and collaboration with ASEAN Dialogue Partners and relevant international organizations. Its regional strategy on disaster management identified priorities encompassing response action plan, capacity building, information sharing and communication network, partnership with pertinent stakeholders, funding support, and generating public awareness including activities for disaster risk reduction. The programme , launched in May 2004 became the structure for concerted regional cooperation in disaster management in the ASEAN region fitting in well with the regional strategy for disaster reduction.(ii)

In the aftermath of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, ASEAN leaders held a special meeting to strengthen measures for emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and prevention. The meeting adopted a declaration of action in these areas notably of mobilizing the international community to support national relief emergency programme. Of significance was the call for the development of a regional instrument on disaster management and emergency response, the establishment of tsunami early warning system for the Indian Ocean and the Southeast Asian region, and implementation of preventive measures including public awareness and capacity building. (iii)

An interesting feature in ASEANs evolution of disaster management was the tacit acceptance by member states for the utilization of military together with civilian personnel in disaster relief. The establishment of a centre to coordinate regional disaster response was also agreed upon and is now ongoing.

The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) which was signed by the member countries in July 2005 in Vientiane, Lao PDR, established the mechanisms for achieving substantial disaster risks reduction and emergency response. A salient feature of this accord is that the agreed framework for disaster risk reduction is based on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005 -2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters.

ASEAN conducts annual disaster simulation exercises to enhance the
capacities and capabilities of member countries in joint disaster management operations. These simulation exercises organized in conjunction with contingency planning workshops facilitated the implementation of the AADMER and also the development of the ASEAN Standby Arrangements and Standard Procedures (SASOP) for regional disaster management. (iv)

The logical progression in its evolution apparently is broadening regional cooperation in disaster management and this is borne in the agenda of the fourth East Asia Summit (EAS) held in Hua Hin, Thailand.

References:-
(i) Press Release. ASEAN Disaster Management Agreement to Enter into Force by End of 2009. ASEAN Secretariat, 16 September 2009.
(ii) Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response.
(iii) Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN Standby Arrangements for
Disaster Relief and Emergency Response
(iv) Association of Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN Disaster News Watch. 6 September 2006. ASEAN to test regional emergency response and humanitarian assistance capacities in a simulated flood disaster in Cambodia.

Note: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is composed of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The Top 20 Threats To Social Media Marketing

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Right now, we’re within the transition section – the advertising world nonetheless appears to be like like a break up-screen, with most firms going about issues within the traditional approach, but with many pioneering ones breaking new ground by constructing their brands while making an attempt to assist make the world a better place.

Social media allows anybody to engage in an effective and very priceless permission advertising campaign. Anytime a client or person subscribes to a RSS feed or en email newsletter or adds your facebook app or joins your group, they’re saying, “I want to allow you to into my life, don’t make me regret it!” Interact with followers and followers on social networks to drive brand awareness, advocacy, loyalty, and sales. Run social campaigns, section, and target the best audiences with the fitting message. Retain and gain customers by well timed response to social media posts.

In apply, this may look just like how individualscontractors, freelancers, consultants, me and yourun a social model. These individuals communicate with followers and followers on a one-to-one basis and are flexible and spontaneous. Theres no reason why an organization can’t market the identical means. All the pieces a person can do an organization can do also. Pondering from this angle could open up quite a lot of new choices for a social media voice. Be genuine and consistent. The sheer volume of tasks may be overwhelming. But it doesnt should be. With only a few tools , people and groups can handle their tasks better, while presenting a profitable social media (biztwozero.com) presence.

Social media can be advanced to plan, execute and scale with out the appropriate know-how platform. Via Kenshoo Social, the Sears Holdings group has been capable of quantify and improve the outcomes we see from Facebook promoting and unlock the full value of this social channel. Kenshoo Socials unique workflow tools helps us rapidly create focused campaigns and the tailored algorithms help optimize to our particular objectives.” Ironically, due to the array of knowledge accessible now, he believes individuals will be looking to hear voices of authority greater than ever particularly for the reason that outdated media mannequin as a curator is gone.

Social media is great as a result of it provides a platform to start out and carry on two way conversation. Be sure you publish in a approach that encourages, as well as permits, two method conversation and engagement. Moderately then simply posting random thoughts, create posts that can set off engagement and a response from your social media viewers. The game is still changing and you will have to continue or even start to adapt and evolve. The old analog paradigms of print and mass media marketing and publishing are being pushed and pummelled. They’re being held more accountable and measurable.

Improve Search Rankings Businesses marketing on the top Social Networks for a 12 months or longer saw a 59% or more enhance in search engine rating, those utilizing it for three or extra years saw a seventy five% benefit. (Social Media Advertising Business Report 2012) frequently battle for dominance within the social media advertising area. There are such a lot of social networks and on-line social media advertising strategies that we can actually feel our head spin from all the data accessible referencing this matter. Of all the companies I seek the advice of with, the one social media advertising tip that’s at all times a part of my advice is the importance of running a blog

The Best Commercial Construction Company In Australia- Makki Constructions

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Makki Constructions is a professional Building Constructions company in Sydney with a proud record of successful delivery of quality construction projects. Makki Constructions was founded in 2005 and is owned and managed by its Managing Director, Fadi Makki, who has more than eleven years experience in residential construction and commercial construction boutique refurbishments and fit-out developments. It is a well-established, thriving business with a solid reputation for excellence, efficiency and reliability. This is based on a commitment to clients and the industry, driven by a philosophy of Quality without Compromise.
We specialize in
Design and construction of quality prestige homes
Construction Management
Project Management
We also offer
Commercial and Industrial design and construction
Boutique residential renovations, refurbishments and extensions
Multi-residential design and construction
Sustainable Housing Consultation and Reporting
Council Development Application advice
Certification
Our success is poised to continue into the future, based on our philosophy of hard work, dedication and quality workmanship. This stems through the core of everything we do. Our dedicated employees and team of hand-selected, fully licensed and insured trades people all shares Fadis attitude and respect.
Our complete turnkey solution for design and construction means you deal with only one person for the entire project and we deliver your project on-time, within budget and with minimum stress.
For the best in commercial construction, we offer a full-service Building solution from design to completion. We take pride in our work, have a passion for customer satisfaction and our work is completed with perfection in mind. From new buildings to commercial fit outs, no project is too big or too small. Our services include Project management, Commercial construction, Commercial fit-outs, Office/Factory renovations, Showroom renovations and fit-outs, Mezzanine floors
Our Commercial designers and architects work with meticulous attention to detail based on your vision, requirements and circumstances. Our designs are modern, inviting and sophisticated and incorporate features and fittings of quality and excellence with form, flexibility and functionality in mind.

Hypo Venture Capital Asset Allocation A Sound Investment Strategy Part 2

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Here at Hypo Venture Capital we are committed to offering our clients access to the latest and broadest range of financial services and products on the market. We know that choosing the right strategy, the right investment and the right product is no easy task in this day and age! Whether its advice, investments or financial planning we are here to answer all your questions and facilitate all your financial needs.

In today’s complex financial markets, you have an impressive array of investment vehicles from which to select. Each investment also carries some risks, making it important to choose wisely if you are selecting just one.

The good news is that there’s no rule that says you must stick with only one type of investment. In fact, you can potentially lower your investment risk and increase your chances of meeting your investment goals by practicing “asset allocation.”

Asset Allocation Can Work

For instance, at age 25 you may decide to invest with the goal of retiring in comfort within 40 years. Most likely, your investment goal is to achieve as much growth as possible growth that will outpace inflation substantially. In aiming to reach this goal, you may allocate 70% of your assets into aggressive growth stocks, 20% into bonds, and 10% into money market instruments. You have years to ride out the wide fluctuations that come with stocks, but at the same time, you potentially lower your risk with your bond and money market holdings.

Because your goals and circumstances are unique, you may want to talk with an investment advisor who can help you tailor an allocation strategy for your needs. Generally, your asset allocation will change as you reach different stages in your life, as your investment goals also change along with these shifts in lifestyle.

If you have been investing aggressively for retirement for more than 20 years and are now less than 10 years from retiring, protecting what your investment may have earned from market ups and downs may become more important. In this case you may want to gradually shift some of your stock allocation into your bond and money market holdings. Keep in mind, however, that many financial experts recommend that stocks be considered for every portfolio to maintain growth potential.

A Simple Process, Some Dramatic Potential Results

Asset allocation is a simple concept, yet vital to long-term investment success. In fact, a landmark study cited in Financial Analysts Journal shows that about 90% of the variability of average total returns earned by balanced mutual funds and pension plans over time was the result of asset allocation policy.3 For many individual investors, the asset allocation decision amounts to choosing what types of mutual funds to invest in and the amount to invest in each type of fund. Others may want to add individual securities to this mix after exploring their investment options.

Regardless of the asset allocation strategy you choose and the investments you select, keep in mind that a well-crafted plan of action over the long term can help you weather all sorts of changing market conditions as you aim to meet your investment goal(s).

Points to Remember

1.Asset allocation is the way in which you spread your investment portfolio among different asset classes, such as stocks and stock mutual funds, bonds, and bond mutual funds.

2.When prices of different types of assets do not move in tandem, combining these investments in a portfolio can help reduce the variability of returns, commonly referred to as “market risk.”

3.Mutual funds are pools of securities, usually offering diversification within a single asset class. Some mutual funds may include several asset classes.

4.The asset allocation that is right for you depends on your investment time frame, goals, and tolerance for risk.

5.As your investment time frame and goals change, so might your asset allocation. Many financial experts suggest reevaluating your asset allocation periodically or whenever you experience a milestone event in your life such as marriage, the birth of a child, or retirement.

Want to know more?

Hypo Venture Capital is an independent investment advisory firm which focuses on global equities and options markets. Our analytical tools, screening techniques, rigorous research methods and committed staff provide solid information to help our clients make the best possible investment decisions. All views, comments, statements and opinions are of the authors. For more information go to www.hypovc.com

Replica Industry Review

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The replica industry has been around for a long time. Depending on if you have the know-how, this industry can actually be a very profitable one. It is illegal to sell replicas as if they are the real brands in most developed countries. However, if you are honest about what you are selling, and do not copy the brand name exactly, the replica industry is perfectly legal and legitimate. It is also one of the few industries that is recession-proof. The replica watch industry actually recorded an increase in profit during the recession, since most people could no longer afford designer accessories, yet still wanted to maintain their lifestyle.

Some replicas are very poorly made. If you decide to invest in replicas that make it painfully obvious that they are knock-offs, then you probably will not make a lot of money. Replicas need to be made so that they are practically identical to the real thing. Well-made replicas make it impossible to tell the difference between a real thing and a knock-off unless you examine the actual materials of the item up close. If your replicas are almost identical to the real thing, then you could make good money from investing in the replica industry.

However, it is illegal to use a companys trademarked brand name. It is also illegal to use a watchs design. Both these traits are copyrighted to the watchs original manufacturer. It is estimated that the replica industry causes a one to three billion dollar loss per year to the real manufacturers. The majority of replica items are made in China. Some are made with some precious metals and materials (like gold and leather) and these are known as “high-end replica.” Others are not made with any precious materials and are known as “low-end replica.” Sometimes the replica are cheaper than the brand name by a very significant amount, and sometimes replica are only cheaper than the brand name by a little bit. The latter is the one that is usually marketed (falsely) as the real deal.

Those who are successful in the replica industry must be very fashion-savvy and must have a good understanding of the fashion-industrys constantly evolving trends. The whole point of replicas is so that the individual can be a part of the most recent fashion styles. No one wants a replica of last seasons fashions, or last years “it” item. They also need access to the real products in order to be able to fashion something very similar to it. It is hard to make a copy of a product simply by looking at its pictures. High-end replica makers usually have the brand name product and mimic it very carefully and thoroughly.

The replica industry is a multi-billion dollar a year industry. It is illegal in some countries, but completely legitimate in others. Most people will avoid breaking their local laws by purchasing their replica items online. Since there are no copyright laws in other countries, purchasing from them is technically legal.