Plenary Session: Communicating risks, engaging communities and managing false information save lives: From risk knowledge to protective action

The increasing impact of the climate crisis and unprecedented emergencies in the European Region—including the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread forest fires, Ukraine's protracted conflict, and the deadly earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria—have underscored the pivotal role of Risk Communication, Community Engagement, and Infodemic Management (RCCE-IM) in building community resilience.

The session will explore how an integrated approach across government and society can advance the RCCE-IM agenda and foster collaboration between national disaster management agencies, civil protection authorities, meteorological offices, the health sector, scientists, media, and civil society. Discussions will highlight opportunities for robust engagement with communities through meaningful participation of those most marginalized and at risk, including women, children and youth, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Specific objectives the session aims to address:

1. Introduce RCCE-IM principles and practices, and make the case for increased investment in RCCE-IM.
2. Share examples of good practices and lessons learned in inclusive risk communication, community engagement, and infodemic management.
3. Showcase tools and resources supporting RCCE-IM initiatives.
4. Enhance the competencies of stakeholders in risk communication, community engagement, and infodemic management.

List of speakers:

1. Ms. Cristiana Salvi, Regional Adviser RCCE-IM, WHO Regional office for Europe (moderator)
2. Ms. Véronique Lehideux, Government of France (keynote speaker)
3. Mr. Raed Arafat, Secretary of State, Romanian Department for Emergency Situations
4. Ms. Natalí González Villariny, Senior Accessibility Expert, Fundación ONCE
5. Ms. Lisa Robinson, BBC Media Action
6. Mr. Kjartan Hreinn Njálsson, Assistant to the Director of Health, The Directorate of Health, Iceland