Knowledge Network formally established
On 10 November, the Commission formally established the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network.
On 10 November, the Commission formally established the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network with Commission Implementing Decision 2021/1956, following Member States’ consensus at the 38th Civil Protection Committee meeting. The implementing decision lays out the governance structure of the Knowledge Network and explains its way of operating. This paved the way for the first Board meeting that took place on 7 December, as part of the ceremonial launch event.
The governance structure of the Knowledge Network is composed of advisory bodies, bringing together representatives of the Member and Participating States of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), and a secretariat provided by the European Commission. Together, they advise on and ensure the smooth running of the network.
The pillars - Capacity Development and Science - are where activities are initiated, planned, designed and implemented and their working groups will support the technical work of the Knowledge Network.
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 aims to bring together academia, practitioners and decisionmakers 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 UCPM.
