The Emergency and Crisis Management Conference 2010

09 December 2009 News

The Emergency and Crisis Management Conference 2010, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi next January, will address 13 main topics related to emergencies and crises, with a focus on H1N1 influenza and terrorism, according to Mohamed Khalfan Al-Rumaithi, Director General of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and Conference Director.

Al-Rumaithi stated in a press conference held yesterday at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research that the second Emergency and Crisis Management Conference will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. This reflects the importance of crisis management and the need for coordination between local and federal entities in this regard.

He added that the conference will discuss several issues, including the H1N1 influenza pandemic, terrorism, emergency medicine, climate change, leadership and control during crises, the role of hospitals and medical staff during disasters, volunteer work, search and rescue, cybersecurity, and the role of customs during crises. Additionally, two workshops will be organized alongside the conference to discuss “Sustaining Government Support During Crises” and “Negotiating with Hostage-Takers Based on the American Model.”

The conference will be held in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research from January 11 to 13, organized by the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority in collaboration with the National Center of Meteorology and Seismology, the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, Dubai Customs, and the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research.

The second conference is expected to feature a selection of experts in crisis management and strategic experts from around the world to discuss crisis-related issues and benefit from their experiences. The conference is a key initiative supported by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National Center of Meteorology and Seismology, and Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority.
Regarding the H1N1 influenza and the main challenges in the field of crises, Al-Rumaithi said, “In recent years, we have witnessed some diseases and epidemics that have posed challenges to public health and human progress. The risks and fear associated with the spread of the H1N1 virus showed that even advanced health systems are not immune to danger in the absence of constant oversight and preparedness.”

He added that the conference is part of ongoing efforts to integrate continuous monitoring and awareness into national security systems by raising public awareness about issues that could threaten their health and safety, enabling them to handle crises and emergencies with greater confidence.

The conference will cover various issues, including emergency management programs for immediate healthcare, pre-hospitalization vaccinations, disaster management and control, search and rescue, and cybersecurity. As part of the conference preparations, the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority organized a forum yesterday at the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research to increase public awareness of the importance of crisis management and the preferred behavior of community members during emergencies. Students from Al-Bateen School in Abu Dhabi participated in the forum by presenting an “operetta” titled “Civil Society” in memory of the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Abu Dhabi Education Council organized the operetta in recognition of the contributions of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the Family Development Foundation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.