The Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE), in cooperation with UNICEF, organized the Second Workshop on “Child-Sensitive Risk Analysis/Assessments and Rapid Needs Assessments”, which took place from 15 to 18 December 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The workshop was officially opened by Miodrag Bešović, Director General of the Directorate for Rescue and Protection of the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro, Michele Messina, Regional Emergency Advisor, Michele Servadei, UNICEF Country Office Representative in Montenegro, and Rade Rajkovchevski, Head of the DPPI SEE Secretariat.

The workshop was organized as a follow-up to the first regional training in this field and aimed to further strengthen the capacities of DPPI SEE Member States to integrate child-sensitive approaches into disaster risk analysis, risk assessments, and rapid needs assessments. The event gathered representatives of civil protection authorities and disaster management institutions, as well as UNICEF experts and practitioners from across the region.

Through expert presentations, facilitated discussions, and practical group exercises, participants addressed key aspects of child-sensitive risk analysis, including children’s specific vulnerabilities and capacities in disaster contexts, the use of child-sensitive indicators, and the application of these approaches in preparedness, response, and recovery planning.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for peer exchange and sharing of regional practices, contributing to improved coordination between disaster management authorities and child-focused institutions. It also reaffirmed the continued cooperation between DPPI SEE and UNICEF in promoting inclusive, people-centred, and resilient disaster risk management systems in South Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on the protection and well-being of children in emergencies.