The 2010 Emergency and Crisis Management Conference concluded its...

14 January 2010 News

The 2010 Emergency and Crisis Management Conference concluded its second edition today, which took place over three days from January 11 to 13 at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi. Participants in the conference sent a letter of thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, for their ongoing support of the conference and its organizers, which significantly contributed to its success and positive outcomes.

Participants also expressed their gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, for inaugurating the conference and overseeing its activities.

The conference highlighted the importance of preparedness and readiness by government institutions to continue operations during emergencies and crises. It emphasized that countries do not merely continue their daily activities but ensure the continuity of work through resilience.

The conference concluded with recommendations on the necessity of preparing and responding to emergencies and crises to mitigate their impacts. While people cannot prevent incidents and crises, preparedness and readiness can help lessen the effects of such disasters.

The statement reads:

Under the patronage of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the second edition of the Emergency and Crisis Management Conference was held from January 11 to 13, 2010, at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi. His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, inaugurated the conference, which was attended by a large number of ministers, dignitaries, and experts from around the world.

The three days of the conference featured numerous sessions, workshops, initiatives, and bilateral agreements. Papers presented at the conference focused on the importance of preparedness and readiness by countries and governments for emergencies and crises. Notably, topics included the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and associated risk assessments, with the UAE preparing early for nuclear security and safety. The conference emphasized the need for coordination between the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and relevant entities to develop future plans for managing emergencies and crises at nuclear power stations.

Speakers also addressed the H1N1 pandemic and how it was managed in the UAE, highlighting the success of the plans and strategies developed by various institutions under unified leadership.

Additional discussions covered anticipated political and security risks in the Middle East for 2010, crisis and emergency leadership and control, the role of communications during crises, and other important topics relevant to emergencies and crises.

The conference utilized modern technologies, including satellite transmissions of some lectures from the United States to Abu Dhabi. Approximately 40 speakers presented lectures and participated in workshops, including Jason McNamara, Chief of Staff at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Richard Clarke, Chairman of Good Harbor Consulting, Carl Ruschert, Director at Bell Labs, Dr. Frank J. Congel, U.S. Commissioner for Nuclear Legislation, Dr. Gregory Gupton, Chairman of the Disaster Medicine Department at Harvard Medical School, and other specialists from the UAE.

The second edition of the conference featured a harmonious mix of lectures, workshops, and the launch of initiatives and memorandums of understanding across all sectors. It successfully fostered partnerships between local and federal institutions adopting a cooperative approach to preparedness and readiness. The conference brought together seven institutions, including four federal and two local institutions from Abu Dhabi and one from Dubai, and recommended the continuation and development of such collaborative efforts across all sectors in the UAE.

Initiatives launched included the National Volunteer Emergency Response Program (SAND), aimed at training volunteers across the country for emergency and crisis response at both local and national levels. This program resulted from a partnership between the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and the Takamol Social Volunteer Program, part of the Emirates Foundation for Social Development.

Another initiative, "Abu Dhabi Ready," supports the national emergency response initiative and receives backing from His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan to ensure government continuity and rapid recovery during emergencies and crises. The conference also introduced the National Emergency Plan for the Communications Sector, developed in collaboration between the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, ensuring business continuity and protecting the vital communications sector.

The conference recommended establishing a website for sharing ideas and experiences in emergency and crisis management among all participants and interested parties.

Key lessons learned from the conference discussions included:

Assessing national risks and threats, creating a risk register, and developing mitigation plans.
The role of the private sector in protecting national resources and the environment, drawing from successful models such as ADNOC's crisis management.
Maximizing the National Emergency Plan for the Communications Sector, recognizing the importance of communications to the country's economy.
The need for an integrated geographic information system during crises.
The importance of analyzing and evaluating threats to UAE’s land, sea, and air ports in collaboration with relevant authorities, with Dubai Customs presenting a successful model.
The positive role of media in emergencies and crises, raising public awareness, and disseminating emergency and crisis culture.

The conference expressed gratitude to all participating entities and the media for their role in the event's success.