Regional Platform Programme

The official agenda for the Regional Platform is now available for participants to visit and download.

  • Preparatory Day

    06 Nov

    06 Nov 2024
    09:00 - 15:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Terrace
    The session aims to highlight the importance of involving children and youth in disaster risk reduction and climate change efforts by leveraging their knowledge, creativity, and role as agents of change.
    06 Nov 2024
    09:00 - 10:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Glassdoor Room
    The meeting will foster collaboration among stakeholders by sharing updates on resilience initiatives and discussing key challenges, such as resilience financing and extreme heat, to enhance collective efforts in building community resilience.
    06 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 12:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room C
    This session will focus on the integration of disaster risk reduction within the broader framework of climate action as a key strategy for building resilience and advancing climate ambitions.
    06 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 12:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room B
    The discussion will explore how cities are coping with urban heat resilience and strategic governance and finance, involving marginalized groups in disaster risk reduction, and leveraging innovative financing and policy frameworks.
    06 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 12:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Media Center
    The session aims to turn the priorities outlined in the Finland action-oriented dialogue into actionable strategies, focusing on meaningful stakeholder engagement, community-based resilience solutions, and accessible risk communication methods for DRR.
    06 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 12:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room A
    The workshop will aim to improve regional cooperation in disaster risk management.
    06 Nov 2024
    14:00 - 21:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Participants of the Regional Platform are invited to join the field visits organized by the Government of Montenegro to either Ulcinj or Lovćen.
    06 Nov 2024
    14:00 - 15:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Glassdoor Room
    The session aims to enhance collaboration among sub-regional entities in Europe and Central Asia for disaster risk reduction by establishing a networked approach and creating a pool of experts to support prevention efforts.
    06 Nov 2024
    14:00 - 15:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room A
    Sendai Framework National Focal Points from member states in Europe and Central Asia will convene to discuss the implementation of the Sendai Framework, including its current status, opportunities, challenges, and future steps.
    06 Nov 2024
    14:00 - 15:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Media Center
    The workshop aims to enhance the resilience of SMEs in Southeast Europe by introducing practical tools for risk assessment and business continuity planning, fostering a proactive approach to disaster preparedness and response.
  • Day 1

    07 Nov

    07 Nov 2024
    09:30 - 10:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    Opening Ceremony of Regional Platform.
    07 Nov 2024
    10:00 - 12:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    The Ministerial Roundtable will focus on disaster and climate risk finance and inclusive stakeholder engagement, concluding with a political declaration to contribute to COP29 and reaffirm the region's commitment to disaster risk reduction and resilience.
    07 Nov 2024
    13:30 - 14:45 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    This session will present solutions to how multi-sectoral risk governance structures can bridge differences, enhance strengthened engagement between thematic sectors, and contribute to building accountability and trust.
    07 Nov 2024
    15:00 - 16:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    The session will assess evolving risks to infrastructure in Europe and Central Asia, enhance policy frameworks and stakeholder engagement, and advocate for investments in infrastructure resilience to better safeguard against natural and manmade hazards.
    07 Nov 2024
    15:15 - 16:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Terrace
    The session will prioritize the exchange of experiences and the identification of innovative solutions to address the risks and impacts associated with extreme temperatures, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires in the region.
    07 Nov 2024
    15:15 - 16:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room A
    This session aims to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to implement the Sendai GAP effectively. It will also look into case studies and experiences in the field.
    07 Nov 2024
    16:15 - 17:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    This session will emphasize the critical role of data in resilience building, as it underpins effective decision-making, facilitates monitoring and reporting, and supports loss and damage tracking as well as global adaptation efforts.
    07 Nov 2024
    16:30 - 17:15 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room A
    This session will discuss the current state of disaster financing in the Europe and Central Asia region, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and best practices.
    07 Nov 2024
    16:30 - 17:15 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Terrace
    This session aims to share practical knowledge and experience to better understand the various aspects of urban resilience in Europe and Central Asia.
    07 Nov 2024
    17:30 - 18:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Participants are invited to a cocktail reception and award ceremony for the BeSafeNet 2024 Olympiad of the Council of Europe, and the Youth Challenge on Risk Communication. The event will also facilitate meaningful networking opportunities.
  • Day 2

    08 Nov

    08 Nov 2024
    09:00 - 10:15 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    This event will highlight the essential role of EWS, showcase good practices from Member States, foster partnerships to enhance MHEWS, and discuss innovative approaches to making EWS more effective, efficient, and inclusive for leaving no one behind.
    08 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 11:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    The session aims to address the escalating economic losses and cascading impacts of disasters in the Europe and Central Asia region.
    08 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 11:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Room A
    The session will explore the varying and cross-cutting roles of both state and non-state actors within the Early Warning Systems value chain, and the merits of including different actors, enabling a connection between top-down and bottom-up approaches.
    08 Nov 2024
    10:30 - 11:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Terrace
    The session will focus on the need to follow up early warnings with anticipatory action as an essential means of ensuring that lives and livelihoods are not only saved during a hazard event, but can even thrive, even in the midst of a crisis.
    08 Nov 2024
    11:45 - 13:00 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    The session will explore how an integrated approach across government and society can advance the RCCE-IM agenda.
    08 Nov 2024
    13:00 - 13:30 (CET+01 Europe/Podgorica)
    Hotel Splendid - Plenary Room
    Closing Ceremony of Regional Platform.
  • Marketplace

    Join the Marketplace Exhibition and Discover Innovative DRR Initiatives!

    Explore a diverse showcase of DRR initiatives presented by leading organizations, each highlighting their latest projects, research, and strategies to build safer and more resilient communities.

    Location: Exhibition Area

    Marketplace Opening Hours:

    • 6 November: 09:30 - 15:30
    • 7 November: 09:30 - 17:30
    • 8 November: 09:00 - 13:00

    Exhibitors

    Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South Eastern Europe (DPPI-SEE): Presenting a comprehensive portfolio of DRR projects and case studies, emphasizing regional collaboration aligned with the Sendai Framework.

    Ministry of Interior of Montenegro (Rescue and Protection Directorate): Showcasing key initiatives to enhance Montenegro’s national resilience and preparedness for disaster scenarios.

    Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA): Sharing insights on capacity-building projects in the Western Balkans, with a focus on the National Forest Fire Information System and its role in risk management.

    Christian Blind Mission (CBM): Offering practical tools and examples on implementing disability inclusion and community engagement in DRR, grounded in Sendai Framework principles.

    Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS): Highlighting the transnational “Secure Kids” project, which fosters child participation in DRR activities and strengthens community resilience.

    CDP: Presenting key findings from their latest report on cities’ resilience and readiness to address climate-related disasters.

    United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Showcasing ongoing DRR initiatives and regional projects from the Europe and Central Asia portfolio, driving sustainable development through risk reduction.

    Red Cross Montenegro: Demonstrating the impact of first-aid training and preparedness activities aimed at empowering communities to respond effectively to emergencies.

    MCR2030 logo

    United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): Showcasing successful practices from the MCR2030 initiative, which supports municipalities in building disaster resilience.

    United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR): Featuring the “Stop Disasters Game” and other educational tools from PreventionWeb to promote a deeper understanding of risk reduction concepts.

    MEDiate Consortium Presenting the Horizon Europe MEDiate project, which leverages a multi-hazard and risk-informed system to enhance local and regional disaster risk management.

    European Space Agency (ESA): Presenting how space-based technology is and can be used to enhance the toolbox of disaster risk reduction. In particular, how innovations across geospatial analysis and resilient satellite connectivity can support preparedness and response to disasters.

    UCPM Consortium: Highlighting the SAFE-LAND project, which uses Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (TAI) to estimate hydrogeological risk levels, providing a transformative approach to risk analysis.

    World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Presenting the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative, aimed at enhancing forecasting capabilities to support community preparedness.

    Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM): Providing a platform for stakeholders to present their DRR approaches, share experiences, and foster diverse knowledge exchanges.

    Interactive Sessions:

    • 7 November (9:30 - 10:30): European Commission involvement in youth and children inclusion into DRM
    • Ignite Stage

      Discover Innovations and Best Practices in Disaster Risk Reduction

      The Ignite Stage offers a dynamic platform for organizations to present their projects, tools, and initiatives in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and resilience building. This stage complements the main sessions of the Regional Platform by showcasing a wider range of topics, encouraging deeper engagement, and providing opportunities for participants to connect with innovative ideas.

      Location: Exhibition Area

      Join us for in-person Ignite Stage presentations, scheduled as follows:

      6 November: 13:00 – 14:00

      Aerial view of the capitali city of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek

      Integration of Localised Disaster Risk Assessment Approach as a Basis for the Further Improvement of the Effectiveness of National Disaster Risk Management in the Kyrgyz Republic

      Presented by: WFP Kyrgyzstan.

      Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI)

      The Human-Tech Nexus: Art as a Driving Link

      Presented by: Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS).

      Green sprout growing on the coals after a fire showing resilience.

      Inclusion and Participation: Local Strategy for Resilience in the Municipality of Amadora

      Presented by: Municipality of Amadora.

      river

      Strengthening Integrated Transboundary Cooperation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience in WB Transboundary River Basins

      Presented by: Water Resource Management Agency of Albania, UNDP Regional Hub.

      nature

      Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction in the West Balkan Region

      Presented by: JICA.

      7 November: 14:45 – 15:00

      Belgium

      Integrating Multilevel Governance in Disaster Preparedness: A Case Study from Belgium

      Presented by: National Crisis Center – Belgium.

      Lovćen

      Just Resilience in Montenegro

      Presented by: UNDP and Ministry of Interior of Montenegro.

      7 November: 16:00 – 16:15

      Biking in flood

      Forecasting Flooding and Impacts, Shaping Futures: A Global Toolkit for Societal Impact Assessment and Emergency Preparedness

      Presented by: Deltares.

      Person riding a horse in a large meadow at Naryn of Kyrgyzstan

      Innovative Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction for Local Communities in the Central Asian Region

      Presented by: Bir Duino Kyrgyzstan with GNDR.

      8 November: 11:30 – 11:45

      Schoolchildren in  Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 2023

      Safer Schools, Safer Children

      Presented by: UNICEF.

      Online Ignite Stage Presentations
      For those who cannot attend in person, we also offer online Ignite Stage presentations. Discover inspiring projects and insights from organizations around the world:

      Prevention

      The “Safe Village, Safe People” Programme

      Presented by: Portuguese Civil Protection.

      Earthquake

      Revitalizing Critical Urban Infrastructure in Earthquake-Affected Provinces in Türkiye

      Presented by: GIZ (Turkey).

      School

      Feel Safe: An Innovative Tool to Promote DRR Digital Education and Experiential Learning

      Presented by: Save the Children Italy.

      Support to displaced people in disasters: Challenges and Opportunities

      Presented by: Portuguese Civil Protection.

      nature

      Nature-Based Insurance Solutions: Engaging Private Finance for Ecosystem Restoration

      Presented by: Euro-Mediterranean Centre on Climate Change.

      Guy on wheelchair

      Disability Inclusion in Disaster Risk Reduction and Prevention

      Presented by: European Center for Forest Fires (ECFF) & Institute of National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities.

      Resilience

      Together, We Can Build Resilience!

      Presented by: German Civil Protection.

      projection

      Localizing Risk-Informed Development through Climate Projections

      Presented by: GNDR.

      Space for Disaster Risk Reduction: How Satellites and Disruptive Technologies are Transforming Disaster Management.

      Presented by: European Space Agency.

      Green sprout growing on the coals after a fire showing resilience.

      Inclusion and Participation: Local Strategy for Resilience in the Municipality of Amadora

      Presented by: Municipality of Amadora.

      Explore these impactful sessions and take advantage of the opportunity to engage with leaders and experts in disaster risk reduction. For more information and to access the online presentations, visit HERE.

    • Online Webinars

      Welcome to the Regional Platform Webinar Series!


      The Regional Platform presents a series of impactful webinars aimed at fostering greater collaboration and shared learning across diverse sectors involved in disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation. These sessions will highlight promote innovative risk management practices, and emphasize inclusive and effective strategies for building resilience.

      The 1-hour webinars will take place on 6 November 2024 from 10:00 to 16:00 CET.

      City Colombia

      Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change (CMCC) – Transformative Changes for Effective Risk Governance
      Time: 10:00

      This session will explore recent initiatives on risk governance, spanning different sectors and organizational levels. CMCC aims to connect the dots between these efforts and disseminate critical findings. Through delving into enabling conditions, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the transformative changes needed to enhance risk governance across the region.

      Computers

      MEDiate Consortium – Multi-hazard and Risk-informed System for Enhanced Local and Regional Disaster Risk Management (*)
      Time: 11:00

      The MEDiate Consortium will present on the importance of adopting multi-hazard perspectives in disaster risk management. This session will focus on the shift away from single hazard approaches and showcase research outcomes that facilitate multi-hazard and risk-informed decision-making in real-world conditions. The webinar will also highlight the role of cross-sector collaboration and civil society engagement in disaster risk management.

      Children studying

      UNESCO GADRRRES – Empowering Children and Youth on Disaster Risk Reduction
      Time: 12:00

      This webinar underscores the critical role of education in building resilience among children and youth. It will delve into the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) and share action-oriented case studies that demonstrate how integrating disaster risk reduction into education systems can strengthen community resilience. The organizers of this session will call on governments and organizations to prioritize and invest in implementing school safety measures for a more secure future.

      Happy female manager asking a question from the audience while participating in business seminar at convention center.

      Association Française pour la Prévention des Catastrophes Naturelles et Technologiques (AFPCNT) – Harnessing Synergy: End Users to make Risk-Based Decisions through Civil Society, Scientific Networks, and National Platform across Europe
      Time: 13:00

      The session will focus on the exchange of best practices between civil society and scientific associations to improve risk-based decision-making. Building on a previous event, this webinar will provide a platform for cross-country sharing of concrete tools and research achievements, aiming to foster deeper collaboration with National Platforms on risk governance.

      A disabled man wading through water logged road on his tricycle in India, 2020

      European Disability Forum (EDF) – Inclusive and Impactful: Practical Lessons in Coherent Implementation of Inclusive Disaster Risk Management in Times of Multiple Crisis (*)
      Time: 14:00

      The European Disability Forum will address progress and gaps in disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction in Europe and Central Asia. This session will highlight practical examples and lessons from initiatives led by persons with disabilities, facilitating potential replication by governments and organizations in similar contexts. By emphasizing the involvement of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction dialogues, this webinar aims to inspire more coherent and inclusive approaches.

      projection

      European Scientific & Technical Advisory Group (E-STAG) – Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction through Science and Policy: A Multi-Level Approach
      Time: 15:00

      The webinar will highlight the role of scientific and technical expertise in shaping disaster risk policies, explore how countries can strengthen DRR implementation through the Sendai Framework aligned with EU policies, facilitate discussions on bridging the gap between science, policy, and practice, and showcase successful case studies and research findings supporting evidence-based disaster risk reduction strategies.

      (*) These webinars are pre-recorded.

      Access Webinar Recordings After the Event
      The insights and discussions shared during the webinars will be made available to all participants HERE. We encourage you to revisit these recordings, which will be uploaded to this platform after the event.

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