Marking two decades of partnership and shared commitment in the Indo-Pacific
Twenty years ago, in response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Australia, India, Japan, and the United States came together in service to the people of our region for the first time as the grouping now known as the Quad.
The tsunami was one of the worst disasters in history, claiming the lives of nearly a quarter million people and displacing 1.7 million across 14 countries.
Together, our four countries contributed over 40,000 emergency responders, working with other partners across the Indo-Pacific region to support millions of people affected by the catastrophe. We honor the memories of those no longer with us and recognize the survivors and the families of those who were lost.
A Commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Regional Resilience
Our foundational commitment to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remains strong. We continue to work side-by-side to prepare for and respond quickly and effectively to disasters across the region.
In 2024, our four countries collectively supported disaster preparedness and life-saving relief efforts across the Indo-Pacific. Building on these efforts, we aim to identify new ways to respond rapidly to humanitarian crises and disasters.
Quad: From Emergency Response to a Comprehensive Partnership
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What began as an emergency response to a catastrophe has grown into a full-fledged partnership delivering positive outcomes for the people of our region
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Quad countries now collaborate with partners across the Indo-Pacific to address complex challenges, including combating climate change, advancing cancer research, mitigating pandemics, and bolstering quality infrastructure
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“We also focus on maritime domain awareness, STEM education, counter-terrorism, critical and emerging technologies, and cyber security. Since 2021, the leaders of our four nations have met annually to drive the Quad’s positive contributions across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.”
A Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
As partners, we share a vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific that is peaceful, stable, and prosperous, underpinned by effective regional institutions. We reaffirm our unwavering support for ASEAN’s centrality and unity, as well as the mainstreaming and implementation of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. We respect Pacific-led regional architecture, foremost the Pacific Islands Forum. Additionally, we remain steadfast in our support for the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the region’s premier organization.
The Quad remains committed to responding to the evolving needs of the region, ensuring continued collaboration and a brighter future for all.
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