UN CHIEF WELCOMES FIRST-EVER GLOBAL MEETING OF SEARCH AND RESCUE GROUP

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the decision of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) to hold its first-ever global meeting, saying there was “great scope” for using modern technology to help with rescue and relief efforts in the wake of major disasters.

In a message to the meeting, which opened today in Kobe, Japan, Mr. Ban noted that this year has already been marked a series of terrible natural disasters.

“I visited Haiti in the aftermath of the January earthquake and saw the devastation,” he said. “Yet I also witnessed many moving examples of bravery and selfless devotion to duty. Your impressive work saved many lives, including those of United Nations colleagues trapped under the rubble.”

The Secretary-General said INSARAG had “come a long way” since it was founded in 1991, and he welcomed its efforts to promote greater professionalism and coordination.

“There is great scope for sharing lessons learned and using modern technology to provide even more effective support to affected communities and governments.”