DILI, 16 august 2024 (TATOLI) – A four-day workshop on “Data Access and Sharing in Emergency Response and Preparedness” was held in Dili from august 12 to 16, 2024. The event aimed to enhance the capacity of the Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL) and other key stakeholders in effectively utilizing and sharing data during emergency situations. The workshop also sought to improve collaboration and coordination among various agencies involved in emergency response.
The workshop featured expert-led presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of data management in emergencies. A key highlight of the event was a visit to the National Directorate of Meteorology and Geophysics (DNMG), where participants engaged in discussions on collaboration in weather forecasting, climate data sharing, and the development of early warning systems. These discussions emphasized the critical role of accurate and timely data in mitigating the impact of natural disasters.
Participants included representatives from CVTL, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), CARE-Timor-Leste, Mercy Corps, as well as government agencies such as the Directorate of the Second Office of the Prime Minister, the Civil Protection Authority of Timor-Leste (APC), and DNMG. The diverse group of attendees underscored the importance of a multi-agency approach to emergency preparedness and response.
The workshop was made possible through funding from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The event was organized with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), reflecting a strong commitment to building local capacity and fostering international cooperation in disaster response.
As the workshop concluded, participants expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills gained to enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts in Timor-Leste. The collaborative spirit fostered during the event is expected to lead to stronger partnerships and more effective coordination among agencies in future emergency situations.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins