Regional Committee for Disaster Management in West Africa (GECEAO) - 13th Annual Regional Consultation, 23rd - 24th of July 2019, Praia, Cabo Verde

1. Context

In the framework of improving preparedness related to disasters and to strengthen the capacity of governments to respond effectively, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for West and Central Africa (OCHA ROWCA) and the National Civil Protection Directorate of Carbo Verde are organizing the 13th Regional Consultation of theRegional Committee for Disaster Management in West Africa (GECEAO). The Consultation will be held in Praia, Carbo Verde from 23rd to 24th July 2019.

2. Objective and outlines of the consultation

The objective of these consultations is to develop technical exchanges and share lessons-learnt that will improve the capacities of national Civil Protection to undertake effective response to disaster in the region. Technical experts will exchange with participants and share various tools available for emergency preparedness, response and coordination.

This 13th regional consultation will focus on the following key themes:

1) Overview and Trends of Disaster Risks in the region for 2019

2) Improving Flood Management at national level

3) Strengthening the Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response Capacity

4) Humanitarian Response in conflict settings: Civil-Military Coordination and Humanitarian Access.