A Meeting Discusses Localizing the Goals of the Global Network for Disaster Risk Reduction in Egypt
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the role of civil society organizations in disaster and crisis management in Egypt, especially in light of the increasing impact of extreme weather events, the Egyptian Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF) and the Eg-Nile Discourse Forum, in their capacity as the national focal point for the Global Network for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), organized a virtual meeting on Monday, July 28, 2025.
The meeting targeted GNDR member organizations in Egypt and aimed to introduce the network’s operational framework, as well as the core values and principles it upholds. The event featured the participation of Ghada Ahmadein, the Global Board member and the Regional Coordinator for North Africa and West Asia.
The meeting was initiated by Haitham Abdel Azim, GNDR’s national focal point and representative of ESDF, who presented the network’s vision and objectives, primarily focused on strengthening local community resilience in the face of various disasters and minimizing their risks. He also highlighted the designation of the Arab region as a priority area within the GNDR’s global agenda.
Ghada Ahmadein emphasized the significance of the GNDR’s role at both regional and global levels. She introduced the network’s institutional structure, its operational model, and the various ways in which members can benefit from it. These include knowledge-sharing, access to capacity-building opportunities and participation in initiatives related to disaster and crisis risk reduction, particularly those driven by climate change.
Ilham Afifi, representing the Eg-Nile Discourse Forum, outlined the governance framework of the GNDR and explained the mechanisms for joining the network through its official website. She also highlighted the importance of building connections among stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, experts and practitioners involved in disaster risk reduction.
Participants also discussed organizational frameworks for GNDR members in Egypt, exploring the best ways to coordinate efforts moving forward. The goal is to localize the network’s strategic objectives and align them with national strategies related to climate change and disaster response, ensuring they are integrated into all programs and activities implemented by GNDR members in the country.
In conclusion, participants underscored the need to open communication channels with all relevant stakeholders and to mobilize collective efforts toward effective networking that contributes to achieving the strategic goals of the Global Network for Disaster Reduction in alignment with Egypt’s national policies.