Policies, papers, and bricks Capacity Building for Crisis Preparedness and Response

The training combines concise expert inputs with a scenario-based simulation exercise. Five invited panellists from local governments, academia, humanitarian agencies, and NGOs will share field-tested practices for crisis preparedness and response, including: multi-level and multi-actor coordination; continuity planning for basic services and shelter; rapid needs assessment and prioritisation; information management (including geospatial data and digital tools); mobilisation of volunteers and community networks; and collaboration with local businesses and international aid actors. Participants will then work in facilitated groups, acting as municipal crisis teams. Each group will address one realistic scenario: (1) a hybrid attack on the power grid leading to failure of urban utilities; (2) recurring hurricanes causing repeated destruction; (3) proximity to a low-intensity conflict with an anticipated refugee influx; or (4) the loss of a major industry and the need to identify new revenue sources. The task is to design a municipal “education package” for crisis preparedness, defining required competencies, priority learning topics, and a blended learning offer (seminars, workshops, study trips, and lectures), alongside simple monitoring and feedback mechanisms. Panellists will support group work with targeted inputs. Teams will present their outputs in plenary, followed by a facilitated synthesis of shared lessons and practical next steps for institutionalising learning within municipal systems. Participants will leave with a practical toolbox and draft municipal training programme prototypes that can be adapted to strengthen readiness and support safe, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities in line with WUF13.