A three days orientation course on DRM for the newly inducted/posted officers and internees of NDMA was organized by NIDM from 13-15 July 2015 at the Prime Minister's Office premises.

A two days’ training course on “Climate Risk Management” was co-organized by NIDM and Lead Pakistan at Islamabad from 23-24 June 2015. The training course was attended by the individuals from government departments and different segment of society. Dr. Pervaiz Amir, Mr. Hassan Akhtar Rizvi, Mr. Sajjad Haider Yaldaram (DS Ministry of Climate Change), Brig. (R) Kamran Sharif and Mr. Arif Rehman were among the lead resource persons and panelists.

The content of the course was delivered by making effective use of lectures, interactive games, panel discussions and the case studies. The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants on the final day of the training. Certificates were distributed by the head of institute, Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem. The head of NIDM thanked Lead Pakistan for its technical support for the said training.

In continuation to government’s policy, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is making an endeavor to build the capacity of government official through series of training courses planned by National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).

A three days’ training course on “Industrial Hazard Mitigation” was organized by the NIDM, at Islamabad from 9th to 11th June, 2015. The purpose of the training was to provide industrial disaster risk management knowledge and develop skills of government officers and civil society members, who have key responsibilities to handle the industrial disasters. The training course was attended by 25 individuals from various departments/organizations.

Resource persons from the government and development sector, having sound background experience in the field were invited to impart training. The agenda included an exposure visit to industry by participants. Biafo Industries Ltd. was visited to witness physically the disaster risk reduction measures under taken to achieve desired standards of safety.

The training concluded with the certificates to the participants on the final day of the training session.

Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE) in Pakistan handed over a set of various necessary and valuable training aids to NIDM aimed at strengthening the capacity of NIDM further to deliver even more towards society. Mr. Tom Jørgen Martinussen, First Secretary, Royal Norwegian Embassy was the chief guest.

Mr. Intekhab Alam, Director (I&P) represented NDMA Pakistan while Mr. Carl Paulsson, Head of Programme, World Food Programme, Mr. Zulfiquar Rao, CBP Project Focal Point, WFP and Mr. Hussain Ullah, Head of Field Unit OCHA Pakistan were also present at the occasion.

Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem, Acting Director NIDM thanked RNE for its continued support specially the training aids and other soft components. Mr. Tom Jørgen Martinussen appreciated the commendable work done by NIDM in short span of time as he was given presentation on the progress made by NIDM so far.

Mr. Intekhab Alam, Director NDMA also thanked RNE and appreciated the role of UNOCHa and WFP in making the Capacity Building Programme , a success.

RNE has been supporting both the soft and hard components of disaster management initiatives in Pakistan including the Capacity Building Programme where more than 2500 individuals were trained across the country. The programme was successfully executed jointly by NDMA/NIDM,UNOCHA and WFP while getting support from other humanitarian partners.

A three days’ training course on “Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological (CBNR) Hazard Mitigation and Response” was organized by the NIDM in coordination with Strategic Plan Division (SPD) and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA), at Islamabad from 26-28 May 2015. The purpose of the training was to provide disaster risk management knowledge and develop skills of government officers and civil society members, who have key disaster risk management responsibilities at the federal, provincial and district level. The training course was attended by 21 individuals from various ministries/departments/organizations.

One day consultative workshop on Training Need Assessment (TNA) was conducted by NIDM at Islamabad on 20th May 2015. Dr. Hyungguen Park from UNDP (Donor Agency) was the guest of honour at the occasion. Representatives from the Government ministries/organizations/departments, Humanitarian stakeholders including UN Agencies, I/NGOS and Academia participated in the workshop. Very valuable inputs were given by the participants on the subject and NIDM would incorporate the inputs in its next training calendar. Proceedings were started with the introductory briefing by Brig. Sajid Naeem (SCBS) followed by TNA.

NIDM, on the invitation of Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), participated in the PHF Expo 2015 held on 31st March at Jinnah Convention Centre Islamabad. NIDM showcased its services and contributions made so far in the capacity building of institutions as well as individuals. The Expo was an opportunity to find out more about the life saving work and impact of NGO’s and humanitarian and development partners in Pakistan and the sectors they work in including: education, shelter, food and nutrition security, water, health, sanitation, hygiene and disaster risk reduction.

A three days’ training course on “Disaster Risk Management” and a consultative workshop on Training Need Assessment (TNA) were organized by the NIDM in coordination with PDMA Punjab from 25-28 March 2015 at Pakistan Emergency Services Academy Lahore.

Purpose of the training was to provide disaster risk management knowledge and develop skills of government officers and civil society members of Punjab province having key disaster risk management responsibilities at the province and district level. The training courses were attended by 42 participants representing different segment of the society including Government, academia, UN agencies, INGOs and NGOs.

The trainings concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants on the final day of the training session. Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) was the guest of honour in the closing ceremony.

Training Need Assessment (TNA) was followed by the DRM training on 28th March. It was attended by all stakeholders including government and humanitarian partners. The participants gave their input on the training calendar of NIDM. Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem, Mr. Waseem Ahmed and Ms. Sana Javed facilitated both the events on behalf of NIDM.

Three days’ training course on “Disaster Risk Management” and a consultative workshop on Training Need Assessment (TNA) was organized by the NIDM in collaboration with PDMA Sindh at Karachi from 9-12 March.

The purpose of the training was to provide disaster risk management knowledge and develop skills of government officers and civil society members of Sindh, having key disaster risk management responsibilities at the province and district level. The training courses were attended by 33 government officials from Sindh province and peoples from different segment of society including UN agencies, INGOs and NGOs. Mr. Shayan Shah, Director Operations (PDMA Sindh) distributed the certificates among the participants on the final day of the training session.

Training Need Assessment (TNA) at Karachi was attended by all stakeholders including government and humanitarian partners. The participants gave their input on the training calendar of NIDM.

Certain number of officers from Balochistan Government also participated in the DRM training and TNA at Karachi. NIDM facilitation team at Karachi comprised of Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem, Mr. Waseem Ahmed, Mr. Kazim Razzaq and Ms. Sana Javed.

A three days’ training course on “Disaster Risk Management” was organized by the NIDM in coordination with State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) AJ&K at Muzaffarabad from 24-26 February 2015.

Purpose of the training was to provide disaster risk management knowledge and develop skills of government officers and civil society members of AJ&K, who have key disaster risk management responsibilities at the state and district level. The training course was attended by 42 officials from all state & district department and peoples from different segment of society including UN agencies, INGOs and NGOs.

Training Need Assessment (TNA) was followed by the training on the next two days i.e. from 27-28 Feb. It included one day consultative workshop, which was attended by 30 officers and meetings with senior officers to get their input on the training calendar of NIDM. The TNA was co-facilitated by the SCBS and CBS.

Secretary State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) Mohammad Akram Sohail graced as chief guest at both the inaugural and closing ceremonies.

The Istanbul Conference for Afghanistan titled “Security and Cooperation in the Heart of Asia”, adopted a declaration in November, 2014 and enlisted forty three Confidence Building Measures including Disaster Management for implementation by Heart of Asia Countries. Pakistan represented by National Disaster Management Authority and Kazakhstan represented by the Ministry of Emergency Situations are working as the co-lead countries for the Disaster Management Confidence Building Measures.

Since then Pakistan has been actively engaged to take the process further and as a part of the same commitment to support the development of regional capacity in the field of Disaster Management, five days training on “Disaster Risk Management” for the Afghan Officials dealing with policy planning in different spheres was organize by National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency (Pakistan) from 10-14 February 2015, to build their capacities in Disaster Management and share experiences of Pakistan.

25 x officers from various government departments/organizations including ANDMA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Mines and Petroleum, Ministry of Public Health, Department of Food Security and Strategic Grain Reserves and Ministry of Industries participated in the training.

The proceedings of the course commenced with the an impressive inauguration ceremony, which was graced by Major General Asghar Nawaz, HI (M) Chairman National Disaster Management Authority as Chief Guest. Mr. Hiroshi Inomata, Ambassador of Japan, Ms. Rumiko Nomura, Deputy Director of South Asia Division 2, JICA and Mr. Ahmed Kamal, M (DRR) NDMA attended the ceremony besides guests invited from various organizations and departments.

Exposure visits for the participants to various organizations dealing in disaster management were planned to familiarize them with their roles and responsibilities, in addition to the in-house sessions. The organizations visited include Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Small Dams Organization and National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) of NDMA.

The course concluded with closing ceremony on the last day, with Brig. Ishtiaq Ahmed Member (Ops) NDMA as Chief Guest. Mr. Ken Kato, Senior Representative, JICA Pakistan Office, Mr. S. A. Nasir Yousafi, Counselor Afghan Embassy and Mr. Ahmed Kamal, Member (DRR) NDMA attended the ceremony besides other guests invited for the ceremony.

A series of three Trainings of Trainer on CBDRM, planned and executed on request of Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122), was concluded with the completion of third ToT on 31 January 2015. The training was conducted at the newly built Emergency Services Academy Lahore. 38 x District Emergency Officers from all districts of Punjab were the participants in last TOT. Earlier in the last two TOTs 59 x Rescue and Safety Officers (RSOs) serving at various districts and Tehsils of Punjasb were trained in the subject.

In addition to the discussion snd sharing of knowledge on various topics of CBDRM, an effort was made made to develop various action points for mitigation and response for the communities. Later on the implementation strategy of CBDRM initiative of Rescue 1122 was also devised by the participants.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants on successful completion of the course, on final day. Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122), while speaking at the occasion, thanked Chairman NDMA and NIDM for building the capacity of rescuers in the filed of CBDRM. He apprecaited the efforts of NIDM team espacially Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem (SCBS, NIDM) for his contributions and extraordinary efforts for making this series of TOTs a success.

Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem appreciated the efforts of Rescue 1122 towards empowering the communities aimed at enhancing their capacities and reducing the vulnerabilities. He further extended complete support and cooperation from NIDM to such initiatives by Rescue 1122.

NIDM, on request of Punjab Rescue 1122, conducted second Training of Trainers from 12-17 January 2015. Twenty seven (27) Rescue and Safety Officers (RSOs) serving at various Tehsils attended the training. The master trainers trained by NIDM would practically contribute towards implementation of “Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)” programme to be implemented in all districts of Province of Punjab. The training was held at newly built Punjab Emergency Services Academy, at Thokar Niaz Baig Lahore.

The first TOT was to organize from 22-26 December 2014 at Punjab Emergency Services Academy where Rescue and Safety Officers (RSO) serving at district level were trained. Resource persons from NIDM having sound background experience in the field imparted the training. The training module consisted of lectures, group exercises, interactive discussion and practical work.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants on successful completion of the course, on final day. Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) and Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem (Senior Capacity Building Specialist NIDM) distributed the certificates.

Punjab Emergency Services, Rescue 1122 has evolved a concept of raising “community emergency response teams (CERTs)” in all districts of Province of Punjab, through their district emergency officers (DEOs). In this backdrop NIDM in coordination with Rescue 1122 has planned three CBDRM training of trainers (TOT) for their district emergency officers, rescue safety officers and instructors of Punjab Emergency Services Academy.

The first TOT was to organize from 22-26 December 2014 at Punjab Emergency Services Academy. The objective of training course was to impart training and to build capacity of participants in designing and implementing Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programs and projects in disaster prone rural and urban areas. The training course was attended by 32 individuals, representing all districts of Punjab Province.

Resource persons from NIDM and the development sector having sound background experience in the field were invited to impart training. The training module consisted of lectures, group exercises, interactive discussion and practical work.

The training concluded with the certificates to the participants on the final day of the training course. Dr. Rizwan Naseer, Director General Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) also graced the occasion.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) held a one day consultative workshop on Training Need Assessment (TNA) on 18th December, 2014 at Peshawar. The workshop was held in collaboration with PDMA–KP and FATA Disaster Management Authority (FDMA). The workshop was second of a series of 7 consultative workshops to be organized at provincial and regional levels.

The workshop was organized to identify gaps in the knowledge, skills and competencies of people involved in DRM/DRR and humanitarian relief work in Pakistan for the design and development of a needs-based capacity building programme that responds effectively to the identified needs.

The exercise covered a carefully selected sample of organizations dealing with humanitarian relief efforts throughout the country belonging to government, academia and humanitarian stakeholder. Twenty nine (29) representatives of organizations attended the workshop and gave their detailed inputs. A comprehensive TNA report will be compiled; reflecting the needs and gaps identified and suggested measures, on completion of nationwide consultation process. Findings of the TNA process will lead to the development of NIDM training calendar to be executed onwards.

A three days’ training course on “Disaster Risk Management” was organized by the NIDM in coordination with PDMA KPK and FDMA, at Peshawar from 15-17 December 2014. The purpose of the training was to provide disaster risk management knowledge and develop skills of provincial government officers and civil society members of KPK and FATA, who have key disaster risk management responsibilities at the provincial and district level. The training course was attended by 60 officials from all provincial & district department and peoples from different segment of society including academia and humanitarian activists.

Resource persons from the academia, government and development sector having sound background experience in the field were invited to impart training. The training module consisted of lectures, group exercises and interactive discussion.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants on the final day of the training session.

A two day Disaster Management Exhibition (DME-2014) with the purpose to provide a common platform to all stakeholders working in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) was organized by the Center for Disaster Preparedness and Management (CDPM), University of Peshawar on December 03-04, 2014.

The exhibition was open for Government Organizations, Academic Institutions, United Nations, INGOs, NGOs and Companies working in the field of disaster management. The exhibitors displayed their sample products, equipments, books, periodicals, research, pamphlets, models, case studies, software etc. and services to the students and general public.

The main objective of the event was to aware and sensitize the common masses in general and students of the whole campus and other institutions of KP in particular.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) supported the event like always. Chairman NDMA, Major General Muhammad Saeed Aleem inaugurated the exhibition. The opening ceremony was attended by the government and humanitarian stakeholders, exhibitors, students and public at large. Chairman NDMA, after the inaugural ceremony, visited various stalls at the exhibition.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) also participated as exhibitor in the event where the knowledge and contributions of NDMA and NIDM were shared with the visitors. Awareness on various aspects of DRR and DRM was given by NIDM team using various medium including reading material, videos and demonstrations.

NIDM team including Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem, Ms. Tanzeela Shaukat and Mr. Kazim Razzaq participated in the two days event.

Disaster research has revealed that the effects of disasters are more pronounced on the vulnerable groups of society, such as women, children, elderly persons, and those living with disabilities. Within these categories there may be even more vulnerable categories, such as females heading their households, children with disabilities, or persons with mental health issues.

The poor coping capacities of vulnerable groups are linked to their reduced physical strength, their weak social and economic status and limited access to resources. Integration of this segment of society into disaster risk management has been a top priority of National Disaster Management Authority.

Realizing the importance of this fact, National institute of Disaster Management organized a three days training course on “Integration of Gender and Vulnerable Group in DRM” from 25 - 27 November 2014. The course was aimed at identifying needs of vulnerable people and how these be addressed during all phases of emergency situations, i.e. disaster planning and preparedness, disaster response, and rehabilitation, these groups are likely to suffer disproportionately. The training course was organized for the officers of all relevant federal & provincial ministries and organizations including humanitarian partners.

Resource persons from government and development sector having sound background experience in the field were invited to impart training. The training module consisted of lectures, group exercises and interactive discussion.

The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants on the final day of the training.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), in collaboration with Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) Bangkok, Thailand and OXFAM Novib, held a Three day workshop on Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) on 24-26 November, 2014 at Karachi.

The workshop was a step forward towards sensitizing the general public, in general, and the government functionaries, in special, about the reason and need of mainstreaming DRR and CCA into development process at all levels. The activity went a step ahead and endeavored to identify the key stakeholders in mainstreaming process at local level and to explore their possible roles in the process.

The avenues of public private partnership, inclusion of society in mainstreaming efforts and igniting cultural evolution for promotion of disaster resilient societies were also explored during the activity. The opportunity was ripe because all the major stakeholders at district level governance and development planning were present in the workshop and their input was vital to evolve any future strategy for the purpose. A local NGO, Laar Humanitarian and Development Programme (LHDP) was also taken into the loop for capacity building of the society at large and promoting realization about DRR and CCA in the communities to achieve the goal of disaster resilient communities.

A total of 35 individuals’ government and humanitarian stakeholders participated in the training.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) and HelpAge International co-organized a Training of Trainers on CBDRM from 17-21 November 2014 at Jacobabad (Sindh). Twenty seven (27) Master Trainers, including women and a special person, from district government Jacobabad, district government Jhal Magsi (Balochistan), Helpage project staff and community representatives were trained. Mr. Waseem Ahmed (CBS) and Mr. Kazim Razzaq (TA) facilitated the training on behalf of NIDM.

The training consisted of a number of participants lead sessions along with interactive sessions facilitated by resource persons. The group of trainees was also taken out for an exposure visit to village “Hussain Bakhsh Barohi” so that they may interact with the Village Disaster Management Committee (VDMC) formed under HelpAge project there. The VDMC executive body and members including women and special persons shared their learning and preparedness planning with the participants.

16 x Community Based trainings will be conducted by currently trained Master Trainers-MTs in 16 villages with support of community facilitators in the coming months.

HelpAge International in partnership with Sindh Rural Support organization is implementing a Cordaid funded project “Disaster Resilience through Inclusive DRR and Climate Change Planning” in nine Union Councils of District Jacobabad.

A three days extensive training courses on “Formulation of Project proposal, Report Writing and Formulation of PCs and Approval procedure” was held from 11-13 November, at NIDM premises, Islamabad.

The purpose of the training was to equip participants with the skills to develop successful grant proposals that outline a focused solution to a problem in a logical progression, gave guidelines & techniques on how to write excellent reports and also formulation of PC & approval procedure. A group of participants representing various government departments and humanitarian organizations from across the country attended the training.

Resource persons from the government and UN System having sound background experience were invited to impart training. The training module consisted of lectures, group exercises, interactive discussion and presentation by the participants. The training concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants.

Mr. Ahmad Kamal (Member DRR NDMA) was the guest of honour at the closing ceremony. Mr. Kamal while speaking at the occasion appreciated the participants for their involvement and active participation. He further expressed the strong commitment of NDMA towards building the capacity of NIDM enabling it to maximize its outreach and contributions in training, and reseach & development.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) held a one day consultative workshop on Training Need Assessment (TNA) on 23rd October, 2014 at PDMA Quetta. The workshop was first of a series of 7 consultative workshops to be organized at provincial and regional level. PDMA Balochistan was co-lead in the initiative.

Objective of the workshop was to identify gaps in the knowledge, skills and competencies of people involved in DRM/DRR and humanitarian relief work in Pakistan for the design and development of a needs-based capacity building programme that responds effectively to the identified needs.

The exercise covered a carefully selected sample of organizations dealing with humanitarian relief efforts throughout the country belonging to government, academia and humanitarian stakeholder. Thirty eight (38) representatives of the participating organizations attended the workshop and gave their detailed input.

NIDM would compile a comprehensive TNA report on completion of nationwide consultation process and develop its further capacity building initiatives and plans based on that report. TNA report would reflect the input and needs identified by the stakeholders involved.

National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) organized a 3 days training course on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) from October 20-22, 2014 at Quetta. It was the first provincial/regional course planned for the year 2014-15. The training was conducted in collaboration with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Balochistan at the premises of the aforementioned authority. Thirty (30) officers representing various District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and provincial line departments and humanitarian organizations participated in the training. The government department included PDMA, Education department; Communication & Works Department, Social Welfare, S&GAD, Irrigation department, Local government, Agriculture department and University of Balochistan were among the public sector entities.

A four member team of NIDM officials including Brig. (R) Sajid Naeem, Capt. (R) Asif Iqbal Asif, Mr. Waseem Ahmed and Mr. Kazim Razzaq facilitated the activity. PDMA, University of Balochistan and UNWOMEN supported the training by providing their technical resource persons to facilitate various sessions.

Certificate distribution ceremony was attended by the Director General PDMA Balochistan, Mr. Noor Muhammad Jogezai. Speaking to the participants Mr. Jogezai expressed his gratitude to NIDM for its support to PDMA in arranging such training in Balochistan. NIDM and PDMA Balochistan further agreed to continue joint capacity building initiatives in the most vulnerable districts of Balochistan.

Five days Capacity Building Workshop for the government officials of Balochistan province was held at Quetta from 13 – 17 October, 2014. NIDM and PDMA Balochistan jointly organized the activity in collaboration with UN system. It was the third workshop of phase – III of the Capacity Building Programme. Forty one (41) officers from various government departments and armed forces participated in the workshop. NIDM facilitated the event by coordinating with the government departments through PDMA Balochistan and armed forces for participation. NIDM representative also facilitated various sessions along with other resource persons from various UN agencies. Closing ceremony of the workshop was graced by presence of Director General PDMA Balochistan, Mr. Noor Muhammad Jogezai. Capacity Building Specialist NIDM, Mr. Waseem Ahmed thanked the participants and supporting UN agencies for their continuous support for the initiative. He further appreciated the UNOCHA team lead by Mr. Hussainullah for overall coordination and facilitation of the workshop.