National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) an integral part of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC) organized a three days Training comprising Simulation Exercise (SIMEX) focused on Disaster Risk Reduction through Preparedness and Response Planning from 27th – 29th November, 2018 at Hill View Hotel, Islamabad. More than 55 officials and representatives of different government line departments participated. These included officials of Rawalpindi Division representing District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) of Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Chakwal and Attock. Emergency and Disaster Management Directorate of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Islamabad was also represented by its officials. Academia, INGOs, local NGOs and representatives of civil society also participated in the event. Brigadier Fiaz Hussain Shah (Retired), Senior Capacity Building Specialist and Eng. Syed Ayub Shah led the training. Mr. Waseem Ahmed, Lt. Col. Nadeen Khan (Retired), Ms. Bushra Hassaan and Mr. Salman Amjad from National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) facilitated the training and Simulation Exercise. Mr. Shoji Hasegawa from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Mr. Hussain Ullah from UNOCHA, Mr. Khalid Zaheer from WFP, Mr. Ehtisham Khalid and Col. Tariq Mahmood (Retd.) from NDMA also delivered lectures. Training covered a host of topics related to Disaster Management Cycle besides important subjects like Gender and Child Protection, Disaster Risk Assessment, Humanitarian Logistics and Warehouse Management. Simulation Exercise focused on Disaster Risk Reduction, Preparedness and Response phases of disaster management cycle. It was designed to make the participant practice all important concepts, procedures, SOPs and improve their problem solving abilities as related to Disaster Management. Great deal of engagement by the participants made the endeavour successful and achieved the intended objectives. Training and SIMEX concluded on 29th November, 2018. Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, HI(M), Chairman NDMA and Ms. Franziska Vögtli, Head of Humanitarian Affairs SDC were the Guests of Honour at closing ceremony. Brig Fiaz Hussain Shah, Senior Capacity Building Specialist NIDM, in his closing remarks thanked PDMA Punjab, district administration of ICT and Swiss Development Cooperation for extending their support. He expressed his resolve that NIDM and SDC would work hands in gloves taking agenda of capacity building related to disaster management ahead. Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat, in his closing address appreciated efforts of NIDM aimed at achieving the goal of resilient Pakistan. He also thanked SDC for extending support for building the capacities of government officials and other stakeholders. He further added that, Disaster Management is not only a professional responsibility but a noble cause as it aims at saving lives and properties. He urged participants to further share the learnings with others and contribute towards preparedness and effective response planning within their respective spheres of influence. At the end, Chief Guest and guests of honour gave away certificates to the participants. The participants expressed great satisfaction and gratitude for being part of this important training. They emphasized the need for such trainings to be conducted frequently to build the capacity of all stakeholders. They highly appreciated Simulation Exercise and its methodology which enabled them to understand concepts in much better and practical manner. They also praised the role played by NIDM and NDMA in doing advocacy for Resilience and Disaster Preparedness. Participants declared the training all encompassing, much needed, well imparted and a wonderful knowledge sharing endeavour. They also expressed resolve of spreading words to others for good of all and as a national service.
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