by Mary Boyer, Yasuhiro Kawasoe, Hugo Wesley, and Jemma Vasilyan

In the face of escalating natural disasters worldwide, the importance of Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) has never been more critical. Over the past decade, more than 2 billion people have been affected by disasters, with economic losses estimated at $1.5 trillion.

As climate change intensifies, nations are grappling with increasingly complex crises. GFDRR is at the forefront of this challenge, supporting governments in strengthening their EP&R capabilities and sharing best practices globally.

Understanding Risk Forum 2024: A Global Exchange in Himeji

This June, disaster management experts from around the world converged in Himeji, Japan, for UR24. On day three, the City of Himeji and the World Bank jointly hosted a knowledge-sharing session focused on the design and management of Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs)—a crucial component of EP&R.

Himeji Mayor Hideyasu Kiyomoto set the tone with his remarks during the mayor’s roundtable conducted on the previous day, emphasizing the city’s holistic approach to resilience: “In Himeji, we’re not just preparing as a government, but empowering every community and citizen to be ready for disasters.” He outlined the city’s proactive approach, including flood prevention measures and a comprehensive early warning system. “We’ve installed sirens and speakers in over 70 small communities throughout the city. Every resident receives alert information on their mobile phones or at home. This isn’t just about technology—it’s about ensuring every citizen feels secure and informed.”

Himeji Disaster Prevention Plaza: Learning through Experience

The event kicked off with a tour of the Himeji City Disaster Prevention Center, a cornerstone of the city’s preparedness strategy. Participants were impressed by the center’s innovative approach to education. “All elementary school children in Himeji visit this center,” explained Mr. Doi, a city official from the Crisis Management Division. “It’s not just about learning facts; it’s about experiencing and understanding disasters firsthand.” During his presentation, Mr. Doi connected to a drill being conducted in real-time using a live camera feed. He emphasized, “We don’t know when a disaster will happen, but the important thing is for all of us to continue training to maintain our disaster response capacities.”

Dr. Marcellino Villafuerte II, Deputy Administrator of DOST-PAGASA in the Philippines, was impressed by Himeji’s approach: “The Disaster Prevention Plaza is remarkable. The educational materials and simulations are ideal for student education. I hope we can implement something similar in the Philippines.”

Global Perspectives on EP&R Initiatives

The event benefited from voices from around the world. Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell, U.S. Fire Administrator, shared crucial insights on the evolving nature of disaster response. “The 2023 Hawaii wildfires taught us that our baseline understanding of risk is changing,” she warned Climate change, drought, and invasive species are creating new dangers. We must adapt our strategies accordingly.” Dr. Moore-Merrell emphasized the critical role of first responders: “Firefighters who regularly handle small emergencies build the foundation for managing larger disasters. But we must also recognize the tremendous strain on these forces and provide adequate support and resources.”

Engr. Celester Consuelo, Project Manager at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Philippines, shared: “The visit to Himeji’s Disaster Prevention Plaza provided valuable insights into the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. We also learned a lot from the U.S. Fire Administration’s experiences in operating emergency command centers. This knowledge will directly benefit our ongoing World Bank project in the Philippines.”

Bridging Theory and Practice

The event transitioned to capacity building, where World Bank experts delivered technical training on EOC design and operations. The World Bank’s EP&R team is set to deliver bespoke face-to-face Emergency Operations Trainings, meticulously crafted to meet the unique needs of each country. These interactive sessions are designed to equip participants with the practical skills and knowledge essential for effective emergency response. Furthermore, the team is developing a suite of e-modules that delve into various facets of EOC design and operations. These online modules will encompass comprehensive content on inclusive approaches and considerations for fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) contexts, ensuring that the training is accessible and relevant to a wide range of scenarios.

“An effective EOC is more than just a room with computers,” explained the World Bank expert. “It’s a delicate balance of facility, staff, equipment, and management systems working in harmony.”

Participants then engaged in group work, tackling real-world scenarios in EOC design and operations. The discussions were lively, with attendees from various countries sharing their unique perspectives and challenges. This included a motivated Nigerian delegation, who contributed actively to the discussions and learned useful insights to take back home. This delegation included Dr. Onimode Bandele, Director for Planning Research and Forecasting at the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria, who said the workshop was “exciting, incisive, in-depth, and very rewarding.”

The Power of Global Cooperation

Mary Boyer, Disaster Risk Management Specialist and the lead of the World Bank GFDRR EP&R program, concluded, “What we’ve seen in Himeji today—the innovative education center, the communitywide alert systems, the emphasis on regular drills—are the building blocks of true resilience. Our challenge now is to take these lessons and adapt them to diverse contexts around the world.”

As participants gathered for a final group photo in front of the Himeji Disaster Prevention Center, the air buzzed with enthusiasm and renewed purpose. They departed not just with new knowledge and fresh perspectives, but with a global network of colleagues equally committed to building resilience. The event in Himeji had reinforced a crucial truth: in the face of increasing climate risks, our strength lies in collaboration and shared learning.