The Deputy Chief of Public Security, Major-General Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, attended the opening ceremony of the Regional Celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, held under the theme “Investing in Resilience, Not in Disasters.”
The event was organised by the UN Regional Office for Arab States for Disaster Risk Reduction, in cooperation with the Executive Office of Bahrain’s National Committee for Civil Emergency Management and the League of Arab States.
The celebration coincides with the annual International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, observed globally on October 13, which highlights progress made in reducing human and economic losses caused by disasters. It also seeks to promote a culture of prevention and resilience investment, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
On this occasion, the Deputy Chief affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain prioritises investment in prevention and preparedness, guided by the vision of its wise leadership, which places the utmost importance on security, stability, and the protection of lives and property. He noted the instructions of His Excellency Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, which emphasise the development of a comprehensive national emergency management framework and the strengthening of inter-agency coordination, in line with international best practices in disaster risk reduction.
He explained that Bahrain has implemented its National Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction, which includes the restructuring of the National Committee for Civil Emergency Management, the development of the National Emergency Management Centre, the launch of the National Civil Protection Platform, and the establishment of the National Risk Register as a strategic tool for identifying and analysing natural, industrial, and human risks across the Kingdom. He also highlighted the recent development of Bahrain’s National Early Warning System, which enhances response speed and coordination among government entities, the private sector, and civil society.
Participants praised Bahrain’s advanced model in civil emergency management and proactive preparedness, commending its efforts to build a comprehensive national system aligned with UN frameworks for disaster risk reduction.