Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al...

25 February 2014 News

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, the Fourth Conference on Emergency and Crisis Management 2014 began today in Abu Dhabi, under the theme "Preparedness and Response is Everyone's Responsibility... A Ready Community."

The opening session of the two-day conference, held at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi, was attended by His Excellency Dr. Nabil El Araby, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Lieutenant General Saif Abdullah Al Shafar, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, His Excellency António Guterres, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and a number of senior officials from both civilian and military sectors, as well as a distinguished group of experts from international organizations and agencies.

Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Director General of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, delivered a speech during the opening session of the conference, stating: "About six years ago, we took the first step in the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority by organizing the first Emergency and Crisis Management Conference. This was the first initiative of its kind in the region and the Middle East. At that time, the Authority was newly established as a guiding and coordinating framework, operating according to a unified strategy with set goals and objectives to achieve the country's aspirations and to attain a distinguished position among the world's nations."

He added, "We meet again to hold this fourth session to review events and experiences, benefit from global expertise, analyze geopolitical developments, and compare ideas and research in an effort to find the most effective ways and solutions to address anticipated or emergency situations under the best conditions of preparedness and response, using the latest tools, technologies, and available capabilities."

He clarified that the Authority is committed to the path of this conference as a reflection of the wise directives under our leadership, including His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, as well as following up on the directives and support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, and under the guidance and support of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi.

The Director General of the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said, "We have given the Emergency and Crisis Management Conference special and significant attention, given its important role in strengthening cooperation, coordination, and information exchange with different countries. It is essential to maximize the benefit on both national and regional levels from global experiences and knowledge, searching for the best proposals, solutions, and technologies to ensure optimal and effective responses to any type of threats that may jeopardize us and thus protect lives and achievements."

He emphasized that the participation of these experts, academics, and specialists is a clear indication of our pursuit of excellence in managing emergencies, crises, and disasters by reviewing the experiences of various countries around the world, learning from them, and exchanging expertise and information to develop strategies, plans, and programs that meet the requirements of optimal preparedness and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to various risks and emergencies.

He added that the risks we face are not only natural but can also be man-made. No country is immune from these risks. As many risks transcend continents, regions, and countries, and are often similar in form and type, most countries find themselves in a position that requires regional or international cooperation and coordination, complementing the efforts of international organizations and agencies to exchange information and experiences and delve into experiences to draw conclusions, conduct studies, and research for the development of joint plans and strategies aimed at achieving a ready community capable of a swift response to all forms of emergencies, crises, and disasters with minimal losses in terms of lives and property.

He pointed out that the choice of "Preparedness and Response is Everyone's Responsibility: A Ready Community" as the theme for the 2014 Conference stems from our reading of the developments the region and the world are experiencing, and our commitment to addressing potential issues before it is too late. He said, "Thus, the conference will focus first on proactive predictive measures as an alternative to reactive responses to emergencies, crises, and disasters, with the presence of precise plans ensuring the continuity of vital functions in the state and society.

Second, it will address the role of media in crisis management, meaning its role in raising community awareness in facing crises, and the necessity of having a media strategy and establishing a relationship with media outlets based on scientific, professional, and national principles. Third, it will focus on the role of the entire community, including individuals, associations, and organizations, as the primary responders whose success or failure impacts the success of programs, plans, and strategies. Fourth, it will address risk management, especially nuclear risks, in light of the increasing reliance on nuclear energy for electricity generation and its growing need in line with development steps. Fifth, it will discuss climatic phenomena and natural disasters and their role in crises."

Dr. Nabil El Araby, Secretary-General of the Arab League, confirmed that the Arab region faces various types of political, economic, humanitarian, and natural crises. He pointed out that most Arab countries are unable to tackle these crises individually due to the advanced infrastructure and detailed emergency plans required, which need regular updates.

El Araby clarified that the effectiveness of any crisis management plan depends on the preparedness of the entire community, including all individuals and institutions, which necessitates a change in the mental framework used to handle crises. Waiting for a disaster to occur and then reacting to it causes severe and irreparable damage to the Arab world.

He noted that the Arab region has faced over 276 disasters in the past 25 years, resulting in 100,000 deaths, affecting around 10 million people, and leaving approximately 1.5 million people homeless. He emphasized that, in light of these massive challenges, Arab countries must coordinate in advance and increase preparedness to handle all stages of a crisis, from early warning before it occurs to managing it efficiently if it does happen, to overcoming and restoring situations to their original state.

El Araby highlighted key areas in Arab collective action to address and manage crises and disasters, including the establishment of an Arab crisis network and strengthening the role of the Arab League's General Secretariat in early warning and managing crises and challenges that may impact collective action.

He also discussed the Arab League's responses to several crises faced by some Arab countries, such as Libya, Syria, and Gaza, to address the humanitarian conditions suffered by their populations during these crises.

He outlined several measures to activate Arab collective action in crisis management, such as formulating a clear protocol for organizing cooperation between Arab crisis management centers, organizing meetings for crisis management personnel, and providing necessary financial and technological resources for optimal performance.

Following this, the first session began with General Michael Charlton-Wade from the UK Cabinet discussing the development of national capabilities to address crises and disasters. Raelene Thompson, Executive Director at the Australian Institute for Disaster Management, spoke about resilience during disasters and planning beyond expectations. Alan Berman, President of the Disaster Recovery Institute from the USA, addressed the role of business continuity management in responding to crises and disasters. The session was moderated by Major General (Ret.) Dr. Reda Al-Battoush, Deputy Chairman of the National Center for Security and Crisis Management in Jordan.

In the second session, titled "Media and Crisis Management," moderated by Ibrahim Al-Abed, Director General of the National Media Council, Pierre Rikers, CEO of the Emergency Media Organization in Australia, discussed the role of media in raising community awareness for handling emergencies, crises, and disasters. Dr. Campbell Macfarlane, Director of the General Secretariat for Emergency Management in the UK, talked about strategic media planning for managing emergencies, crises, and disasters. Nigel Kaye, an international expert in media and crisis management from the UK, presented on dealing with media during emergencies, crises, and disasters.

The first day of the Emergency and Crisis Management Conference 2014 witnessed significant attendance from government representatives who listened to lectures presented by experts in the field of emergency and crisis management.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Fourth Conference on Emergency and Crisis Management 2014 began