The course brought together a diverse group of participants, including civil society representatives and volunteers from Moldova, Ukraine (NGO Poruch), and Poland. Notably, members of the Volunteer Fire Service Brigade in Złotokłos, a pioneering group of Polish volunteers known for their active national and international practical activities in local societal resilience, were among the attendees.
Galya Terzieva, coordinator of the V4 program, emphasized the critical importance of developing an international protocol for volunteers to enable them to function safely in hazardous environments. "The Warsaw training is a core element in the development of such a protocol, particularly with regards to functioning in CBR environments," Terzieva stated. "This course marks a significant step towards creating standardized, safe practices for volunteers operating in high-risk scenarios."
The opening ceremony was graced by His Excellency Mr. Wawrzyniec Konarski, Rector of Vistula University, who emphasized the critical importance of bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in the field of public security. "In today's complex world, it is imperative that we connect scientific research with hands-on experience to effectively implement security measures and enhance public safety," stated Rector Konarski. He further stressed the role of universities in fostering this crucial connection, highlighting Vistula University's commitment to supporting initiatives that blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Ambassador Krzysztof Paturej, President of ICCSS, delivered a compelling address on the relevance of civil society and NGO preparedness in face of a wide spectrum of CBRN-related risks. "In an era of evolving threats, from industrial accidents to potential acts of terrorism, the role of civil society in CBRN preparedness and response cannot be overstated," Ambassador Paturej remarked. He elaborated on ICCSS's ongoing work to enhance societal resilience, showcasing the organization's specialty in preparing civil society and NGOs to function effectively in CBR-related environments.
The comprehensive program of the course covered crucial areas such as the draft Common European Protocol for volunteers, rapid risk assessment techniques, interoperability and information sharing, safety in CBR environments, detection and identification of CBR substances, and personal protection and decontamination procedures. The course format provided ample opportunities for discussions, practical exercises, and knowledge exchange among participants.
Importantly, this training will be continued with practical exchange sessions to be conducted at the Volunteer Fire Service Brigade in Złotokłos, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in a real-world setting.
The preparation and conduct of this course respond to the growing need for competent trainers to implement societal resilience strategies. This aligns with key EU policies and practices and is an important element of the newly developed law on civil protection in Poland. By focusing on the 'train the trainers' approach, the course aims to create a multiplier effect, spreading crucial knowledge and skills throughout civil society organizations and volunteer groups.
This pilot course marks a significant step forward in empowering non-state actors to play a crucial role in disaster response and CBRN preparedness. By bringing together participants from different countries and backgrounds, the course not only imparted vital knowledge and skills but also fostered international cooperation in facing common challenges.
The ICCSS remains committed to advancing societal resilience and will continue to develop and implement innovative training programs that address the evolving landscape of chemical, biological, and radiological threats.