Algerian cities begin training series to strengthen urban resilience
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), in cooperation with national and local stakeholders in Algeria, launched a series of online training sessions on 7 October 2026 for Algerian cities participating in the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative.
The introductory session focused on understanding urban disaster risks, strengthening local resilience, and introducing practical tools to support risk-informed planning.
Understanding disaster risks in Algeria
The session highlighted the multiple hazards facing Algerian cities, including earthquakes, floods, wildfires, extreme heat, drought, and landslides. Participants explored the impacts of past disasters, including the 2003 Boumerdès earthquake, the 2001 Bab El Oued floods, and the 2021 Kabylia wildfires.
Drawing on a 2023 World Bank assessment, the presentation also highlighted that approximately 70 per cent of government expenditure on major disasters was directed towards floods, underscoring the importance of prevention and preparedness.
Supporting cities on their resilience journey
Participants were introduced to the MCR2030 Resilience Roadmap, which guides cities through three stages: improving understanding, strengthening planning, and advancing implementation.
The session also presented the Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient and the Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Cities, providing local authorities with tools to assess their resilience, identify gaps, and prioritize action.
Next steps
The training series will continue with practical exercises and technical discussions tailored to participating cities' needs. Cities were invited to identify their main disaster risks, existing resilience measures, and priority areas for support to help inform upcoming sessions.
Through this initiative, UNDRR aims to strengthen local capacities, promote knowledge exchange, and support Algerian cities in translating disaster risk reduction principles into practical action towards safer and more resilient communities.