The Arab region and the world are facing ongoing crises of varying...

12 March 2016 News

His Excellency Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Hosani, Director-General of the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority, has emphasized that the "Emergency and Crisis Management Conference 2016: Innovative Approaches for a Safe Nation" is being held under exceptional circumstances. The Arab region and the world are facing ongoing crises of varying intensities, providing fertile ground for discussion and dialogue on sensitive topics carefully chosen in response to current events and international changes.

In a statement for the conference’s official publication, Dr. Al Hosani noted that the conference, commencing tomorrow in Abu Dhabi, reflects the importance of the topics being discussed. He stated, "Our gathering under the umbrella of this conference, with a distinguished group of officials, experts, specialists, and academics, highlights the special significance of the conference and the sensitive issues it addresses. It is a valuable opportunity to present experiences, expertise, and knowledge that will contribute to generating ideas and recommendations for innovative and effective methods to handle disasters and crises, minimizing both material and human losses."

Dr. Al Hosani highlighted the evolving nature of risks and threats in today's world, necessitating new and complex approaches to crisis management. He emphasized the need for advanced strategies in disaster and crisis management, taking into account global changes and their causes, impacts, and solutions. This approach is aimed at developing robust and well-informed plans and procedures.

He also underscored the urgency of adopting a comprehensive perspective on security, encompassing its security, economic, social, and political dimensions. This approach is essential for proposing solutions to safeguard communities from terrorism and its adverse effects. This focus is integral to the conference's fifth edition.

For a secure and prepared society, Dr. Al Hosani stressed the importance of innovative approaches that involve preemptive planning, thorough preparedness, and full readiness. These strategies are crucial for creating a community that is innovative, ready, responsible, and aware of potential risks from all angles.

The conference will cover five main themes:
1. Comprehensive Security Perspective: Examining security through crises from multiple dimensions.
2. Modern Methods in Disaster and Crisis Management: Discussing contemporary approaches and innovative methods.
3. Global Changes: Analyzing the causes, impacts, and solutions related to global changes.
4. Role of Media: Exploring the media's role in managing crises and disasters.
5. Challenges and Solutions in Recovery: Addressing challenges and solutions during the recovery phase.
The conference will also feature two workshops:
• Strategic Planning in Emergency and Crisis Management
• Building Readiness
Key Sessions and Speakers:
1. First Session: "Comprehensive Security Perspective" chaired by Dr. Sultan Al Naimi, featuring:
o Mr. Henry Haas, Director of Studies at the National Academy of Administration and former General Director of the French Civil Defense
o Dr. Maqsoud Cruz, Head of Hedayah Center, UAE
o Dr. Abdulaziz bin Osman bin Saqr, Head of Gulf Research Center, Saudi Arabia
2. Second Session: "Modern Methods in Disaster and Crisis Management" chaired by Dr. Saif Jumaa Al Dhaheri, with:
o Dr. Robert McFarlane, Deputy Director of Training and Readiness at the Civil Emergency Advisory Office, UK
o Mr. Alex Steven, General Manager of Government, Public Safety, and Security at Telstra, Australia
o Ms. Luna Abu Soueih, Regional Director for Arab States, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Cairo
3. Third Session: "Global Changes: Causes, Impacts, and Solutions" moderated by Ahmed Al Yamahi, featuring:
o Dr. Talal bin Melhem, Head of Emergency and Crisis Management Center, Jordan
o Sir Alan Massey, Commander of the British Border Force
o Mr. Abdullah Al Jaziri, CEO of Institutional Governance, Etisalat, UAE
4. Fourth Session: Focus on "The Media's Role in Crisis Management" led by Aisha Al Awadhi from Abu Dhabi Media, with:
o H.E. Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General, Arab League
o Colonel (Ret.) Dr. Fahad Al Shammari, UN Security and Strategy Expert, Kuwait
o Mr. Greg Webb, Communication and Media Advisor at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation
5. Fifth Session: "Challenges and Solutions in Recovery" chaired by Salem Salmeen Al Nuaimi, featuring:
o Mr. Frood Mornag, UN Resident Coordinator and Acting Resident Representative, UNDP
o Mr. Trevor Murphy, Head of Operational Resilience at Etihad Airways
o Mr. Julio Sergei, Expert from the Disaster Risk Reduction Organization

The conference aligns with the objectives of the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority, which aims to enhance awareness and improve response capabilities in the UAE and the region. Such conferences are crucial for advancing emergency management and crisis response, fostering cooperation and innovative solutions at national and regional levels.

Since its inception in 2008, the conference has gained prominence, attracting global experts and strategists, making it a unique platform for exchanging insights and developing strategies to address emergencies and crises effectively. The authority plays a key role in enhancing the UAE’s capabilities to manage and respond to emergencies, ensuring continuity and rapid recovery.

The National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority was established in 2007 and officially recognized by Federal Law No. 2 of 2011. It operates under the National Security Council to coordinate and set standards for emergency management, ensuring a unified national response to emergencies. The authority also focuses on developing response capabilities, risk management, and planning for disaster scenarios.