Euro-Mediterranean partners advance cooperation on civil protection and disaster risk management
Representatives from across the Euro-Mediterranean region gathered this week for the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Civil Protection Meeting to advance regional cooperation on disaster risk management and support the implementation of the 2030 UfM Action Plan on Civil Protection and Disaster Risk Management.
The meeting brought together representatives from UfM Member States, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Natural and Man-made Disasters in the Mediterranean programme (PPRD Med), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Discussions focused on strengthening regional collaboration on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery in the face of increasingly complex and interconnected risks across the Mediterranean region.
Advancing a shared vision for regional resilience
Participants reviewed recent progress under the UfM Civil Protection and Disaster Risk Management mandate and discussed priorities for strengthening regional cooperation through the UfM Regional Dialogue Platform.
The meeting highlighted key elements of the 2030 UfM Action Plan, including:
Strengthening public awareness and volunteer engagement
Enhancing preparedness through capacity development
Supporting regional disaster assistance and cooperation
Strengthening national and regional institutions
Promoting monitoring, evaluation and learning
Discussions emphasized the importance of creating a common culture of risk awareness and resilience, while supporting closer cooperation among governments, civil society, technical institutions, and regional partners.
Strengthening preparedness and knowledge exchange
Participants shared experiences and initiatives aimed at strengthening preparedness and operational readiness across the Mediterranean region.
Discussions highlighted the importance of investing in prevention and preparedness, particularly as countries across the region face increasingly complex and interconnected risks, including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, and climate-related hazards.
Key areas of discussion included:
Lessons from the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean High-Level Workshop on Fire Risks
Volunteering and community engagement in disaster risk management
Early warning systems and information sharing
Capacity development and training opportunities
Regional platforms for cooperation and knowledge exchange
Participants also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration among civil protection authorities and regional partners, while advancing practical approaches to preparedness, information sharing, and mutual support across the Mediterranean.
Building momentum for regional action
UNDRR presented the Stop Disaster Game initiative (an educational tool that helps users better understand disaster risks and resilience-building measures) as an example of innovative approaches to strengthen disaster risk awareness and preparedness.
Participants further discussed opportunities to leverage regional platforms and initiatives, including UfM Med Green Week, to promote collaboration and strengthen engagement on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
Looking ahead
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue advancing the implementation of the 2030 UfM Action Plan and strengthening cooperation among Euro-Mediterranean partners.
As countries across the region face increasing risks from wildfires, floods, earthquakes, droughts and other climate-related hazards, continued efforts to strengthen cooperation, preparedness, and operational coordination will help lay the foundations for a more resilient and interconnected Mediterranean.