The Crisis and Emergency Management Community Forum, organised by the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in February, providing a forum to discuss national and international experiences as well as current and future trends in the field of emergency and crisis management
His Excellency Ali Saeed Al Neyadi, chairman of the NCEMA, said the forum was established to address the importance of continuous coordination, cooperation and integration between countries and organisations supporting local emergency and crisis institutions, sharing information and experiences, the use of modern technologies and applications of artificial intelligence and big data, and the importance of addressing the new generation of risks posed by economic conditions through studies and research to raise emergency preparedness and readiness.
"The high turnout to the forum confirms the interest of the various components of the emergency, crisis and disaster community in closer cooperation and the exchange of knowledge and views to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of the present and the future, which contributes positively to strengthening the national response and raising the preparedness of the various sectors of the country."
His Excellency Dr Saif Al Dhaheri, director of the National Operations Centre at the NCEMA, emphasised the importance of using the latest technologies and keeping pace with rapid technological development to anticipate potential risks and mitigate the impact of crises and disasters. He explained that communication and cooperation between the various stakeholders are among the most critical factors in achieving the best solutions.
Fahad Buti Al Muhairi, director of the Department of Security and Prevention at NCEMA, delved into new developments and phenomena that have begun to evolve into global risks, as well as developments related to the concept of prevention, best international and national practices in this area, prevention measures, the organisation and management of prevention programmes and their harmonisation and integration at the national level.
A session on "Building sustainable strategies for the future" focused on emerging cybersecurity risks and their mitigation, dealing with national supply chains and integrating emergency and crisis management systems and infrastructure, along with the use of advanced technologies in emergency, crisis and disaster management to enhance flexibility in dealing with emerging risks and predictability of the future risks and ensuring the continuity of vital services and products.
Supporting the national system
At the Forum, the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) reviewed the existing systems for emergency and crisis management, which are characterised an integrated collaborative approach between federal and local entities, the private sector, international and regional organisations and the local community.
In addition, NCEMA has introduced the "Makhatar" platform, a key system for emergency and crisis management that enables the exchange of information and joint coordination between NCEMA and external stakeholders. NCEMA also announced the launch of the Tamkeen knowledge platform, an innovative meeting place for employees and partners interested in emergency, crisis and disaster management.
Local and international experiences
The forum provided a platform for sharing global experiences. His Excellency Fabrizio Curcio, head of Civil Protection in Italy, shared his country's experience in the development and management of emergencies, crises and disasters, while Dr. Stefan Brooks, senior fellow in Public Policy and Management and Leadership and Organisational Development at the University of Manchester, gave an overview of the threats and challenges facing the UK and its response plans and strategies in the face of emergencies and crises, as well as the country's systems in supporting stability in the current situation.
Also highlighted in discussions were the role of strategic partners and the private sector in strengthening the integrated emergency, crisis and disaster management system.
During the Forum, NCEMA signed several memoranda of understanding to improve cooperation and provide training and development opportunities.
