Inaugural First Responders Forum 2024
The Inaugural First Responders Forum 2024 was held from 20th - 21st February 2024, supported by the Strengthening Preparedness and Resilience through Inclusive Community Governance (SPRING) Project, implemented by MRC in partnership with NDMA and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), supported by the USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance.
The forum brought together first response agencies, government representatives, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, local councils, and members of Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) from across the country.
91
Participants
40
Organizations represented
In the face of escalating natural hazards exacerbated by the climate crisis, the need for more effective emergency response systems and mechanisms has never been moare critical. Strengthening collaboration and understanding between response agencies is essential to meet the increasing challenges faced in emergency response.
Notable attendees included the Minister of Defense, Honorable Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, U.S. Ambassador to the Maldives, Hugo Yen, Dr. Sisisra Madurapperuma from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, Chief Executive of NDMA, Mr. Hisan Hassan, MRC Interim President Rasheeda Ali, and Secretary General Fathimath Himya, alongside senior leadership of response agencies. The opening ceremony resonated with insightful remarks from distinguished speakers. Mr. Hisan Hassan, Chief Executive of the NDMA, and Ms. Fathmath Himya, Secretary-General of the Maldivian Red Crescent, emphasized collaboration in disaster preparedness. His Excellency Mr. Hugo Yon, the US Ambassador to the Maldives, highlighted the significance of fostering strong alliances and shared responsibility in disaster response efforts, while the Chief Guest, Honorable Minister of Defense Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, underscored the government's commitment to enhancing emergency preparedness.
The forum categorized responders into core and cooperating groups, recognizing their essential roles in emergency response. Core responders, directly engaged in response efforts, were tasked with specific duties, while cooperating responders played vital roles within their sectors. This comprehensive network ensured effective and coordinated responses to emergencies.
Through a series of plenary and panel discussions, the forum covered a diverse range of topics aimed at enhancing understanding of potential risks and fostering inter-agency collaboration. These sessions provided a platform for responders to share knowledge, expertise, and experiences on disaster risk management, strategies for climate change adaptation and mitigation, the role of local leadership in driving grassroots resilience, ensuring safety in highrise buildings, developing effective pre-hospital care, and more.
The insights and discussions from the First Responders Forum 2024 were designed to enhance and strengthen collaboration between core and cooperating response agencies, while also fostering innovation in emergency response.
As we face the complex challenges brought about by climate change and evolving risk landscapes, it is crucial to cultivate a culture of preparedness and strengthen inter agency cooperation. Building on the success of the forum, together in partnership with NDMA, MRC, is committed to advancing inter agency coordination and collaboration to build resilient communities across the Maldives.
