Glenn Banaguas leads disaster resilience initiative

IN the aftermath of a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that devastated Myanmar and Thailand, leaving communities in distress and infrastructure in ruins, the region is witnessing an extraordinary response rooted in resilience, sustainability and science diplomacy.

At the helm of this transformative effort is UN Sasakawa Laureate Glenn Banaguas, an internationally acclaimed science diplomat and advocate for resilience and sustainability. As chairman of the US-Asean Science and Technology Fellows and Asian Science Diplomats, Banaguas is leading the charge through a science-driven, fully free initiative to empower communities, rebuild infrastructures and ensure long-term stability in the affected nations.

"Myanmar's grief, Thailand's hardship ... these are not distant tragedies, they are wounds we all bear," Banaguas declared.

SPREADING HOPE UN Laureate Glenn Banaguas’ leadership, driven by science diplomacy and collective action, stands as a testament to the power of unity in overcoming adversity. FILE PHOTO

He added, "We breathe the same air, stand beneath the same skies and are bound by the same fate. Today, we do not stand as separate nations, but as one people united not in sorrow but in unwavering resolve. We stand together, and we act."

"This tragedy demands more than sympathy; it demands action rooted in science, collaboration and shared responsibility. Through this initiative, we aim to not only address the immediate crisis but empower communities to face future challenges with strength and resilience," Banaguas further stated.

Recognizing that disaster recovery requires more than humanitarian relief, Banaguas and his coalition of Asian Science Diplomats and the US-Asean Science and Technology Fellows are applying science diplomacy to bridge communities, policymakers and researchers. This approach integrates scientific expertise, strategic collaboration and cross-border cooperation, ensuring that Myanmar and Thailand not only rebuild but also fortify themselves against future environmental threats.

The "Climate Smart and Disaster Resilient Asean," a fully free initiative, goes beyond providing immediate relief. It equips communities with the tools, knowledge and strategies to rebuild stronger, and adapt to climate and disaster-related challenges.