Final Conference BSRC II

On 10 December 2018, the Final Conference dedicated to the completion of  “Building safe and resilient communities” project of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzRC) was held in the Youth Home in Binagadi district in Baku.

During the conference it was mentioned about the purpose of “Building safe and resilient communities” project, its benefits for communities and results gained in the implementation of the project. In his opening speech at the conference a coordinator of “Building safe and resilient communities” project Elshan Salimzade informed about history of the project the implementation of which was started  with the support of the Austrian Red Cross in 2012, the main goal and activities implemented within the framework of the project, disaster preparedness and response strategic direction.  

It was noted that within the project various activities such as activities enabling the communities to be safe and secure, as well as activities enabling the communities to strengthen their sustainability were conducted. Also, necessary trainings were given to community members and necessary documents (for example, Family Preparation Plans)  were drawn up and mutual relationships were established.

Speaking about the solid friendly relations established between the AzRC and the Austrian Red Cross, the coordinator of the project recalled that the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society supported by the Austrian Red Cross implemented pilot projects during the past several years. During the implementation of these pilot projects it was decided to apply a new form of cooperation.

Then the floor was given to the Executive Secretary of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society Jeyhun Mirzayev. The Executive Secretary, at first delivered best regards of the president of the Az.RC and a member of the National Parliament Dr. Novruz Aslanov to the participants of the conference. Then he noted that “Building safe and resilient communities” project had been successfully implemented. Jeyhun Mirzayev also spoke about the development of the relations between the National Society and governmental structures and the international partners. At the same time, the implementation of the project enabled the staff of the AzRC to obtain additional experience and knowledge due to trainings and workshops conducted in Denmark and Austria.             

Participating at the conference, the regional coordinator of the Austrian Red Cross Michael Grabner spoke about the successful implementation of the six-year project. He appreciated the role of the AzRC in the implementation of the project as very important. Mr Grabner attached special importance to strengthening the capacity of the AzRC through the project implementation. Speaking on the project components the speaker also stressed the importance of cooperation with government agencies.

Then the floor was given to the Head of department at the Ministry of Emergency Situations Namik Abdullayev. He spoke about the purpose and importance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the AzRC and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. Speaking about the role of the partnership relations in the implementation of the project, the speaker expressed his hope that such joint projects, activities would continue and that the cooperation would be even closer and more effective in the future.

In their speeches a representative of Ismayilli region Executive Authority Rustam Samadov,  a cooperation delegate of the Baku Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross Rasim Allazov spoke about the successful implementation of “The building safe and resilient communities” project and shared with the participants their impressions on their participation in the simulations exercises conducted by the Ministry of Emergency Situations in collaboration with the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society.  

We would like to remind that “Building safe and resilient communities” project has been successfully implementing by the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society with financial and technical assistance of the Austrian Development and Cooperation Agency, the Austrian Red Cross Society since 2012 in 8 villages of Ismayilli and Gusar regions with active participation of the Executive Authorities, village municipalities and local communities of the above-mentioned two regions. Taking this opportunity we would like to sincerely thank all organizations and partners that assisted to”Building safe and resilient communities” project activities in the previous years. 

Source: AzRC Website