Resilient Western Balkans: Strengthening transboundary collaboration and capacities on disaster risk reduction and Early Warning Systems in the Western Balkans

The Resilient Western Balkans Year 1 Narrative Report presents progress achieved during the first year of a UNDRR initiative to strengthen disaster risk reduction, multi-hazard early warning systems and transboundary cooperation across Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia, with the engagement of Kosovo* through a regional perspective. Funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the project supports implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 while advancing national resilience priorities.

The report outlines key achievements during the inception phase, including the establishment of national coordination mechanisms, technical assessments, project launches and strategic partnerships with regional and international organizations. It also describes progress in strengthening disaster risk governance, risk knowledge and early warning systems, while identifying priorities for the next phase of implementation. Looking ahead, the report emphasizes strengthening local resilience, improving disaster risk information and financing, promoting inclusive and people-centred approaches, and reinforcing regional cooperation to support risk-informed development across the Western Balkans.