Manama: Major-General Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Public Security, attended the opening of the Regional Celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held under the theme "Investing in Resilience, Not in Disasters."
According to Bahrain News Agency, the event was organised by the UN Regional Office for Arab States for Disaster Risk Reduction, in cooperation with the Executive Office of Bahrain's National Committee for Civil Emergency Management and the League of Arab States. The regional celebration coincides with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed annually on October 13, which aims to highlight progress in reducing human and economic losses caused by disasters and to promote a culture of prevention and investment in resilience, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed stated that the Kingdom of Bahrain prioritizes investment in prevention and preparedness, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, which emphasizes security, stability, and the protection of lives and property. He mentioned the instructions of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, focusing on developing an integrated national emergency management framework and enhancing coordination among relevant entities, aligning with international best practices in risk reduction.
He elaborated that Bahrain has executed the National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, involving the restructuring of the National Committee for Civil Emergency Management, the development of the National Emergency Management Centre, the launch of the National Civil Protection Platform, and the establishment of the National Risk Register as a strategic tool for identifying and analyzing natural, industrial, and human risks across the Kingdom, enabling proactive decision-making. Bahrain has also recently developed its National Early Warning System, which contributes to enhancing response speed and coordination among government bodies, the private sector, and civil society.
The event featured a high-level panel discussion on financing resilience and promoting investment for a safer tomorrow, with participation from senior officials, experts, and representatives of regional and international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the EU-Arab States PPRMED initiative, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the League of Arab States, UNESCO, and the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport.
The sessions explored ways to enhance investment in resilience and develop innovative and sustainable financing mechanisms for disaster risk reduction projects, reviewing Arab countries' experiences in this field and exchanging expertise among governments, the private sector, and donors. The event concluded with recommendations emphasizing the importance of enhancing regional cooperation and expanding partnerships to support funding for disaster risk reduction activities and to build more resilient and sustainable communities.
Participants noted that the Kingdom represents an advanced model in the region in civil emergency management and investment in preparedness and proactiveness, commending its efforts to build an integrated national system aligned with UN frameworks for disaster risk reduction.