Through the Australia Assists program, Ross was deployed to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Mongolia as a Disaster Risk Management Policy Expert. During his deployment, Ross worked closely with NEMA officials in the development of session concept papers, speeches and presentations for the AMCDRR, held on July 3–6 in Ulaanbaatar.

Following the conference, Ross also reviewed and provided recommendations to NEMA on national and local policies and programs on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM), and developed a set of relevant emergency management learning materials for staff.

On September 14, NEMA Deputy Director Ganzorig Tsogtbaatar presented Ross with the NEMA Level II award for his services to the agency.  

“I was most surprised and honoured to receive a special award for my services to NEMA. It’s very humbling and a strong indicator of the close bond that is building between Australia and Mongolia in the area of emergency management,” said Ross.

“I was able to take some of the pressure off key NEMA officials responsible for preparation of key outcome documents and related technical inputs to the conference, as well as taking session notes during the conference, and subsequently their consolidation and submission to UNISDR.  

“It was motivating to know that my inputs to the AMCDRR are included in UNISDR/Government of Mongolia Conference outcome documents and reports. These outcome documents will guide Asian countries in keeping their country emergency management policies and programs in line with the Sendai Framework on DRR.