The Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative for South Eastern Europe (DPPI SEE), in cooperation with the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, successfully organized the Workshop on Improving Volunteerism in the Protection and Rescue System in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 10 to 12 June 2026.

The workshop brought together representatives of civil protection and emergency management authorities, volunteer organizations, and other relevant institutions from DPPI SEE Member States. The event served as a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences, lessons learned, and best practices related to strengthening volunteer engagement within protection and rescue systems across the region.

During the two-day working programme, participants discussed national approaches to volunteerism, legal and institutional frameworks, volunteer recruitment and retention, training and certification systems, and the role of volunteers in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities. The discussions highlighted the importance of establishing sustainable mechanisms for volunteer engagement and strengthening cooperation between public institutions and volunteer organizations.

The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to present national experiences and successful practices, fostering regional dialogue and encouraging further cooperation in the field of civil protection and disaster risk management. Through interactive discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants identified common challenges and explored potential solutions for enhancing volunteer capacities and community resilience throughout South Eastern Europe.

DPPI SEE extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, all speakers, facilitators, and participants for their valuable contributions and active engagement. The workshop reaffirmed the crucial role of volunteers in effective disaster management systems and underscored the importance of continued regional cooperation in this area.

The event was implemented within the framework of the DPPI SEE Disaster Management Training Programme (DMTP), contributing to ongoing efforts to strengthen capacities, promote knowledge exchange, and enhance preparedness and resilience across the region.