As of today, the Ibero-American Community has a new permanent cooperation mechanism to strengthen emergency prevention, preparedness and response. The national authorities of 20 countries have signed off on the definitive establishment of the Ibero-American Network for Disaster Risk Reduction and Civil Protection (RGIR), consolidating a joint, permanent cooperation initiative to strengthen resilience and comprehensive disaster risk management for the benefit of more than 670 million citizens. The Network has been established as a lasting forum for collaboration to share capabilities, knowledge and experience and coordinate efforts to address the natural, technological and human-induced risks affecting the region.
The launch of the Network marks the culmination of a process led by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and Emergencies and the Ibero-American General Secretariat (SEGIB), with support from CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, and from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the Foundation for the Internationalisation of Public Administrations (FIAP), both under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
The Network was established during the first meeting of the Ibero-American Conference of National Authorities for Disaster Risk Reduction and Civil Protection, held at the National School of Civil Protection in Rivas-Vaciamadrid (Madrid), as part of the official programme of activities for the 30th Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government.
This initiative responds to a shared reality in the region: Ibero-American countries' high exposure to natural, technological and human-induced phenomena that have significant human, economic and environmental impacts every year. In this context, regional cooperation is a means of strengthening societies' resilience and protecting citizens.
Objectives achieved and agreements reached
During the meeting, delegations approved the key instruments that will enable the Network to operate effectively with immediate effect. The most significant agreements include the approval of its rules of procedure, the adoption of its strategic guidelines for 2027–2030 and the endorsement of its first Action Plan. These documents will define the organisation's priorities for the coming years.
Member States also supported the establishment of a trust fund to finance cooperation, training, technical exchanges and institutional strengthening. This mechanism will receive support from the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, which will be responsible for structuring and supporting the financial instrument that will ensure the sustainability of the initiatives promoted by the Network.
Handover of the presidency
The meeting also formalised the handover of the Network's Pro Tempore Presidency. Having led the establishment process and driven the organisation's preparatory work, Spain's General Secretariat for Civil Protection and Emergencies has transferred the presidency to Andorra's Department of Civil Protection and Emergencies, in accordance with the rotating model approved by member countries. The Principality will assume the presidency with effect from 1 January 2027.
Member States have also agreed to establish a Technical Secretariat as a permanent body supporting the Network, a role to be performed by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and Emergencies. Its responsibilities will include coordinating the organisation's activities, following up on the agreements reached and developing the joint work agenda. The Technical Secretariat will also ensure institutional cohesion and continuity, acting as a link between successive rotating presidencies and overseeing the implementation of the agreements and objectives adopted.
Participants also approved the organisation's official visual identity, including the logo that will henceforth identify the Ibero-American Network for Disaster Risk Reduction and Civil Protection and accompanies this press release.
A new phase in Ibero-American cooperation
With the approval of its key governance instruments, the launch of a dedicated financial mechanism, the definition of the Technical Secretariat's role and the transition from a temporary to a rotating presidency, the Ibero-American Network for Disaster Risk Reduction and Civil Protection officially begins its work as a permanent platform for regional cooperation.
The establishment of the Network strengthens Ibero-American cooperation on disaster risk reduction and civil protection. With a consolidated governance structure, a joint work agenda and the commitment of its Member States, the organisation is embarking on a new phase aimed at developing shared solutions to the challenges affecting the region.
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