On 30 September and 1 October 2025, the 50th Regional Meeting of the Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South-Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE) was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The event gathered representatives of the member states together with partners from international and regional organizations, creating a platform to reflect on achievements, exchange knowledge, and discussing the future of disaster preparedness and prevention in South-Eastern Europe.

The opening session was marked by addresses from senior representatives of Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Regional Cooperation Council, and the Head of the DPPI SEE Secretariat, setting a strong tone of regional solidarity and commitment. The first day of discussions focused on the review of progress since the last regional meeting and on exploring opportunities for cooperation with partners, including UNDRR, UNICEF, UNDP, Direct Relief, CIMA Research Foundation, CODATA, DHL, Prepared International, Province of Potenza (UNDRR Resilience Hub), and the Red Cross Society of Bosnia and Herzegovina (SPHERE network’s focal point).

The internal session of the meeting, reserved for national delegations, dealt with important organizational matters such as the preparation of the Annual Work Plan for 2026 under the incoming Chair-in-Office of Serbia, the registration process of the Secretariat in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the ratification of the Host Country Agreement. Member states also were informed about content of the set of revised internal regulations and financial management rules, discussed the establishment of a new working group on child-sensitive approaches in civil protection and disaster risk management in partnership with UNICEF, and reviewed the methodology for drafting the next Strategic Development Plan, which will cover the period 2026 to 2031.

Beyond its formal agenda, this regional meeting carried a special significance as it coincided with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of DPPI SEE. Over the past quarter of a century, the Initiative has grown into a trusted framework for cooperation, mutual support, and the exchange of expertise in disaster risk preparedness and prevention.

The Secretariat extends its gratitude to all participants, partners, and hosts for their contribution to this milestone meeting, which reaffirmed the shared vision of building safer and more resilient South-Eastern Europe.