“The Kuwaiti Society for Environmental Protection, which chairs the National Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction, distinguished itself by establishing the National Committee for Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction in Kuwait. It also developed a constitution that defines strategic objectives according to the Sendai Framework, as well as the competencies, tasks, responsibilities, and main goals to strengthen the roles of its members. The Kuwaiti experience was commended by the Regional Advisory Committee for West Asia and North Africa, and it was decided to share it with the regional committee members for their benefit. This statement was made by Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab, President of the Society for Environmental Protection, following 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. Al-Aqab explained that "the main objective of the meeting was to discuss and present the organization's new strategy and explore members' aspirations, which took 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 their activities." During the meeting, the head of the Environment Society and a member of the Regional Advisory Committee for Disaster Risk Reduction at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) presented a comprehensive overview of the National Committee of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction in Kuwait. This committee, chaired by the Environment Society, includes the Kuwait Fire Protection Society and the Kuwait Society for Crisis and Emergency Management. She stated that she "reviewed the national efforts in crisis management in the State of Kuwait through the committee, and submitted a request for the inclusion of public benefit associations in the Central National Committee for Crisis Management. The Kuwait Society for Crisis and Emergency Management also presented its 'Zahib' initiative, which focuses on raising awareness among community members and engaging them in civil crisis management when needed." She added that "an event was held to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, under the patronage of Major General Talal Al-Roumi, Head of the Kuwait Fire Force, and attended by numerous governmental and private entities. A highlight of this event was the honoring of the Gaza team from the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, in addition to showcasing the achievements of the committee members." Dr. Wajdan Al-Aqab concluded by emphasizing that ”the meeting’s 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 sending it to her.“.
