Strengthening Global Resilience: AFAD and DRI Collaboration

A significant step for Turkish institutional resilience: DRI-Benelux hosts Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), under the Ministry of Interior, for business continuity training. The ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruption has become a defining capability for nations and organizations alike. This is particularly relevant for countries located in high seismic risk regions such as Türkiye, where strengthening preparedness and institutional capacity remains a strategic priority. This perspective shaped a recent four-day DRI BCLE2000 Business Continuity Management course delivered by DRI-Benelux in the Netherlands for a delegation of ten professionals from AFAD. AFAD is internationally recognized for its critical role in coordinating national disaster response and managing large-scale emergencies. However, its mandate extends beyond crisis response. AFAD plays a central role in disaster risk reduction (DRR), preparedness planning, early warning systems, and international cooperation mechanisms, including frameworks such as the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Strengthening business continuity capacity therefore supports Türkiye’s broader national resilience strategy. A Shared Commitment to Preparedness Throughout the program, the AFAD participants demonstrated strong professional commitment to advancing business continuity practices. Their engagement reflected a clear intention to integrate international standards into institutional processes and contribute to ongoing resilience efforts. Why This Collaboration Matters for DRI For DRI, this collaboration reinforces a core principle: business continuity is not limited to corporate environments. It is a discipline that supports national resilience, public safety, and societal stability. When an organization such as AFAD invests in deepening its business continuity expertise, the impact contributes to strengthening institutional resilience capacity at the national level. This collaboration contributes to:

• Enhancing institutional disaster preparedness in a high-risk region
• Bridging public-sector emergency management with international continuity standards
• Expanding alignment around best practices and professional certification
• Building long-term partnerships that elevate resilience across borders

Looking Ahead The engagement between AFAD and DRI reflects a constructive and forward-looking institutional dialogue. As Türkiye continues to strengthen its national resilience framework, such knowledge exchanges contribute to professional development and institutional capacity building. This collaboration represents a meaningful step supporting Türkiye’s ongoing efforts to enhance resilience at national and international levels.