“The Kuwait Environment Protection Society, which heads the National Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction, was unique in presenting the formation of the National Committee for Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction in the State of Kuwait, and developing a basic system that defines the strategic objectives according to the Sendai Framework, the competencies, tasks, responsibilities and main objectives to strengthen the roles of the members. The Kuwaiti experience was well received by the Regional Advisory Committee in West Asia and North Africa and it was decided to generalize it to the members of the Regional Committee to benefit from it.”.
This came in response to a comment by Dr. Wijdan Aloqab, President of the Environment Society, regarding the National Committee's participation in the meeting of the Regional Advisory Committee for North Africa and West Asia for Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction, affiliated with the International Organization for Disaster Risk Reduction. Dr. Aloqab explained that "the main objective of the meeting was to discuss and present the organization's new strategy and explore the aspirations of its members, taking into account financial challenges, the role of members in joining, and their contribution to implementing the strategy's provisions, most importantly localizing knowledge and increasing the number of activities. The new strategy, with its new structure, places leadership in the hands of the members to guide the next phase through activities.".
During the meeting, the President of the Environment Society and member of the Regional Advisory Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction at the International Organization, gave a comprehensive presentation to the National Committee of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction in Kuwait, which is chaired by the Environment Protection Society and includes the Kuwaiti Society for Protection from Fire Hazards and the Kuwaiti Society for Crisis and Emergency Management.
She stated that she “reviewed the national efforts in the field of crisis management in the State of Kuwait through the committee, where she submitted a request for the membership of public benefit associations in the Central National Committee for Crisis Management, and the Kuwaiti Association for Crisis and Emergency Management submitted the “Zahib” initiative, which relies on raising awareness among members of society and involving them in the process of managing civil crises when needed.”.
In addition to “holding an event for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, under the patronage of Major General Talal Al-Roumi, Head of the General Fire Force, and in the presence of numerous governmental and private entities, the most prominent aspect of this event was honoring the Gaza team from the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, as well as showcasing the achievements of the committee members.” Dr. Wijdan Aloqab concluded by emphasizing that ”the meeting agenda included a questionnaire aimed at developing the strategy, and it is the responsibility of the National Committee to meet and formulate its proposals and observations on it before submitting it to the committee.”.
