This will require agency reorientation from flag flying to people empowerment. It is clear from our definition of disaster preparedness and a delineation of the activities involved that interagency linkages are indispensable to this agenda at any level of implementation. We all recognize that in any major incident the resources of a single sector, agency or community will be inadequate. In addition the range of hazards we face and the complexity of their impact demands information and skills from diverse sources. In a nutshell, we need each other for our agendas to succeed.
Mutual interdependence is our watch word.
Whilst we don't have to cooperate in all areas forever, cooperate we must. Where, for how long and when must be the focus of our dialogue.