Knowledge Network Governance

Knowledge Network Board

The Knowledge Network Board acts primarily as a strategic forum, advising the European Commission on the strategic orientation of the Knowledge Network and overseeing its functions. It is composed of a Commission representative and a representative from each EU Member State, with representatives of the Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism being granted observer status.  

The Board is chaired by the Commission and co-chaired by the Member State holding the preceding rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. It reviews, monitors and ensures that the members comply with the Knowledge Network’s rules and policies, and endorses the Knowledge Network’s annual report. 

The Secretariat

For effective and efficient organisation of its activities the Knowledge Network has a secretariat, provided by the Commission. The Secretariat’s main role is to support the work of the Knowledge Network bodies in their coordination, coherence and information sharing. 

Pillars’ working groups

The Knowledge Network has two ‘pillars’ – Capacity Development and Science. They will be steered by a Capacity Development Pillar working group and a Science Pillar working group. The pillars are where activities are planned, designed and implemented, and their working groups will support the technical work of the Knowledge Network. 

The Capacity Development Pillar

The Capacity Development Pillar aims to connect, promote and strengthen capacity development initiatives relevant to civil protection and disaster-management stakeholders. It focuses on existing programmes and projects, such as the UCPM Training and Exercises programme, the Exchange of Civil Protection Experts programme, the Knowledge Network partnerships and the UCPM Prevention and Preparedness programme. 

The Science Pillar

The Science Pillar aims to bring together academia, practitioners and decision-makers for multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation. One of its objectives is to apply scientific knowledge to disaster risk management – particularly prevention and preparedness activities – more efficiently. The Science Pillar builds on and integrates existing scientific structures and networks supporting the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.