As the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) strengthens its approach to Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) in training, the newly developed Diversity and Inclusion Manual for UCPM training and course staff marks a shift from principles to practical application. To explore how this translates into day-to-day course delivery, we spoke with Sean Moore, lead author of the manual.

Lukas Liesenhoff is the Data Science Team Lead at OroraTech, a company specialising in advanced software solutions and decision-support tools for natural hazard monitoring and disaster risk management. He has extensive expertise in applying AI and geospatial technologies to enhance early warning systems and operational response. In this interview, Liesenhoff discusses how AI and satellite technologies are transforming real-time wildfire monitoring, early warning systems, and disaster risk management.

On 19 March, civil protection and disaster risk management national authorities from 11 UCPM countries gathered in Brussels for the launch of the 13 selected projects co-funded by the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) under the Track-1 2025 call for proposals.

“Cultural heritage is increasingly being weaponised — which makes its protection more urgent than ever.” As Katariina Leinonen from the European External Action Service (EEAS) noted at the opening of the event, the protection of cultural heritage is no longer a peripheral concern at international level. It is also becoming a strategic issue, linked to diplomacy, security and recovery.

A round up of the latest insights and innovations in disaster risk management.

The 9th European Civil Protection Forum will take place on 3–4 November 2026 in Brussels (Tour & Taxis), bringing together stakeholders from across the disaster risk management community to shape the future of preparedness in Europe. The call for session proposals for the upcoming edition is now open!

The Knowledge Network Capacity Development pillar aims to connect, promote and strengthen capacity development initiatives relevant to civil protection and disaster management.

Through the Knowledge Network, the scientific community and operational stakeholders in disaster management have a new space to connect and share knowledge.

The exercise programme of the Knowledge Network offers a variety of civil protection exercises to enhance prevention, preparedness and disaster response.

Preparedness for Operational Monitoring and Prediction of contaminant Transport in the Sea.

Training Centre Network on 3D and VR.

Managing Complex Floods in North Albania through Cross Border Host Nation Support and Joint Cooperation.