Andorra to lead Ibero-American disaster risk and civil protection network from 2027

Andorra will assume the presidency of the Ibero-American Network for Disaster Risk Reduction and Civil Protection on 1 January 2027, holding the role for two years, after the handover was formalised at the network's first meeting in Madrid.

Civil Protection and Emergency Management director Cristian Pons represented the Principality at the gathering, which was promoted by Spain and brings together countries across the Ibero-American space. The network aims to deepen cooperation on prevention, preparation, response and recovery in the face of emergencies and disasters.

At the meeting, members approved the body's governance instruments and its first action plan, covering 2027 to 2030. The plan includes institutional coordination, early warning systems, training and the exchange of knowledge, alongside the organisation of international cooperation during emergencies and efforts to foster a culture of prevention and resilience.

During its presidency, Andorra says it will promote joint projects aimed at improving response capacity and the safety of communities. The government argued that the agreed objectives must be translated into concrete actions and tangible results, with all members taking an active part.

It also stressed the importance of prioritising the first initiatives, setting up effective mechanisms for sharing information and knowledge, and strengthening technical coordination between countries.

Andorra highlighted the role of the technical secretariat, made up of the Ibero-American General Secretariat (Segib) and Spain's General Secretariat for Civil Protection and Emergencies, in institutional and administrative coordination and specialised technical support respectively, and called for shared experience, capacities and good practice.