Global Disaster Preparedness Center

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Global Disaster Preparedness Center

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As part of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network, the GDPC is a resource center that promotes innovation in disaster preparedness.

As a joint endeavor between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the American Red Cross, the Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC) aims to prepare and safeguard vulnerable communities from disasters by providing tools and services that are able to be scaled globally though the Red Cross and Red Crescent (RCRC) network. The GDPC creates an ecosystem for RCRC national societies and other practitioners to co-create their own preparedness initiatives by exploring existing solutions, building evidence base through research and shared learning, designing solutions for scale, and mobilizing support through partnerships.

09/10/2026

🌡️ Extreme heat is a deadly and growing threat to cities worldwide, but how do we know if Plans actually work?

Join us on Wednesday, September 23, 12:00 PM ET for the launch of the Heat Action Plan Implementation and Effectiveness (HAPIE) Tool.

In collaboration with GDPC, a research team from The University of Arizona, University of Colorado Boulder, and University of Washington systematically analyzed Heat Action Plans from around the world — then built an actionable tool to help cities track whether their plans are being implemented and making a difference.

Hear from Red Cross Red Crescent staff, the research team behind the HAPIE Tool, and a city official on putting plans into practice.

🗓️ Wednesday, September 23 | 12:00–1:30 PM ET | Online — open to all
🔗 Register: 8f2e2f07-4c44-436d-93de-087a64a59c30@dd5b5d42-c0d3-4ad2-b5f1-60edb3af2771?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/8f2e2f07-4c44-436d-93de-087a64a59c30@dd5b5d42-c0d3-4ad2-b5f1-60edb3af2771?source=copyLinkLegacyShareLinkDialog
📊 Read the full report: https://preparecenter.org/resource/evaluating-the-implementation-and-effectiveness-of-heat-action-plans/

06/25/2026

📢 Call for Applications: 2026 GDPC Spotlight Research Grants Program

How can technology be used humanely, ethically, and responsibly in humanitarian action? The Global Disaster Preparedness Center (GDPC), in partnership with the French Red Cross Foundation, is launching its 2026 Spotlight Research Grants Program on the principled and accountable use of technology in humanitarian contexts.

We're supporting original research from low- and middle-income countries to bring diverse, local perspectives to the field and expand the evidence base on how ICTs can responsibly address risks and unlock innovative solutions to longstanding humanitarian challenges. The program offers $10,000 USD in funding for applied, impactful research that informs policy, planning, and community action.

📅 Application deadline: 31 July 2026

Explore eligibility and application requirements here: https://preparecenter.org/activity/gdpc-research-activities/call-for-applications-research-grants-icts/

06/04/2026

Early Warnings for All set an ambitious goal: life-saving warnings that reach everyone, everywhere. But what does "for all" actually require in practice — for communities that are remote, marginalized, or simply invisible to the systems designed to protect them?

📢 We're launching Reaching the Last Mile: Evidence and Practice for Inclusive — a four-part webinar series drawing on multi-country research from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America to find out. The series brings together 15 researchers whose work spans diverse geographies and hazards, exploring who gets left behind, why, and what it takes to design that truly reach everyone.

👉 Full details and registration: https://preparecenter.org/activity/reaching-the-last-mile-evidence-and-practice-for-inclusive-early-warning-systems/

Session 1 · 9 June: When the warning doesn't reach — who falls through the cracks?
Session 2 · 24 June: Where the system doesn't see — geography, identity, and access.
Session 3 · 8 July: What communities already know — indigenous and first-mile knowledge.
Session 4 · 21 July: From warning to action — design, partnerships, and practice

UNDRR, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, World Meteorological Organization

04/24/2026

How do the Fundamental Principles hold up in a world?

Ahead of the 2026 Council of Delegates, a landmark Resolution on the accountable use of ICTs in humanitarian action is taking shape — and a new webinar series is opening space for cross-movement dialogue, learning, and direct input into that process.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗖𝗧𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁

Across the series, expect:
→ Deep dives into Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, and Independence in digital contexts
→ Practical guidance on applying "do no harm" in technology design and deployment
→ Exploration of CEA, digital safeguarding, data protection, cybersecurity, and ethical procurement
→ Cross-movement dialogue — and a direct opportunity to shape the final Resolution

The first session takes place on April 30. Learn more and register: f9bb7904-01c1-4d14-b2a2-d3eee7420c0a@78215b93-506d-4ca8-9fc1-5980a049216d" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f9bb7904-01c1-4d14-b2a2-d3eee7420c0a@78215b93-506d-4ca8-9fc1-5980a049216d

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

09/08/2025

📢 Calling all innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs

The QBE AcceliCITY Humanitarian Challenge 2025, powered by Australian Red Cross Humanitech, is looking for early-stage, scalable, tech-driven solutions to strengthen disaster resilience.

We’re backing early-stage digital solutions that help communities to:
• Anticipate climate risk
• Stay safe in crisis
• Lead their own recovery.

The Challenge winner will receive a funded pilot with Australian Red Cross (valued up to AUD $100,000) to co-design your solution with Australian Red Cross and frontline communities.

No equity. No fees. Just the right support to take your solution further.

📅 Applications close 30 September 2025.
👉 Learn more and apply here: https://www.humanitech.org.au/humanitarianchallenge/

08/29/2025

🌍We are just one week away from the Climate & YOUth Summit 2025 - From the Ground Up: Youth for Awareness, Action and Advocacy 🌱

Whether you’re a Red Cross Red Crescent volunteer, a young advocator or are only starting your journey in climate action, the Climate & YOUth Summit 2025 is your chance to connect, learn, and inspire.

✨ Why Join?
🌟 Hear from youth leading their projects on the ground.
🌟 Learn from experts about climate action.
🌟 Foster new skills to lead impactful change.
🌟 Connect with peers from around the globe and get inspired.

📅 When: 5 & 6 September 2025
💻 Where: Online (from anywhere in the world!)
🔗Register Now!
https://forms.office.com/e/Nm2nGe7xN7

There will be events in English, French, Spanish and Arabic with live captioning.

🔗See the Agenda!
https://youthsummit.climatecentre.org/

06/25/2025

🏆 The Final Winners of have been announced!

Be sure to check out the winning preparedness short videos to learn how you can prepare for hazards in sixty seconds: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRcfk-I9AA9lwUlVOm8UGV8N9_NavK5wi

Thank you to the IFRC Solferino Academy, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Meta, and TikTok and community members across the globe to determine what videos will provide viewers the accurate information needed to help safely prepare.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you to everyone who has been following this journey!

05/29/2025

Extreme heat is a “silent killer” — its impacts aren’t always visible but can be deadly. Without clear warning signs, many people don’t realize the risks until it’s too late.

2025 focuses on how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and how to prevent and respond effectively.

On June 2, communities around the world are coming together for a full day of activities to raise awareness of the risks of . From sharing tips online to hosting local events, every action counts.

If you’re interested in joining this global event, there’s still time to get involved!
👉 Learn more and get inspired: https://preparecenter.org/initiative/heat-action-day/
👉 Let us know your plans and register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYvjVxMaxNDF1tI0yxijTlh9k0MLpNvsjLT2ezBAEBx97qUA/viewform

Address

431 18th Street
Washington D.C., DC
20006

Telephone

+18007332767

Website

http://www.preparecenter.org/

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