The World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) are implementing a technical assistance project under the UCPM.
The World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), in partnership with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), are implementing this activity under the Technical Assistance Financing Facility (TAFF) for Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (TAFF). Through TAFF, countries participating in the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) can access technical assistance, global knowledge, and good practices to strengthen disaster prevention and preparedness. This activity contributes to the implementation of Action 33 of the Preparedness Union Strategy and focuses on the development of practical guidelines on how to act in emergencies, adapted to all types of disability (sensorial, physical, intellectual), at the European Union level to strengthen inclusive emergency preparedness and response for persons with disabilities and first responders.
As part of this ongoing work, ‘Guidelines for persons with disabilities and first responders on How to Act in Emergencies’ are being prepared, to provide practical, actionable recommendations for persons with disabilities and first responders, with the aim of strengthening inclusive emergency preparedness and response. Understanding different disabilities is crucial to creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Disabilities can range from physical impairments, such as mobility limitations, to cognitive disabilities, to sensory sensitivities and emotional or behavioral challenges. First responders need to be knowledgeable about the broad spectrum of disabilities they might encounter to recognize the type of disability and understand how to act accordingly, so they can be proactive in adapting the emergency response as needed.
The development of these Guidelines builds on the findings of the recent Disability-Inclusive Emergency Preparedness and Response in Europe diagnostic, also prepared under TAFF. The diagnostic highlighted both the progress made across UCPM Member and Participating States and the continuing need for more accessible and inclusive preparedness and response systems. The Guidelines seek to translate emerging good practices and lessons learned into practical recommendations that can be applied by persons with disabilities and first responders across Europe.
In order to finalize the Guidelines, we invite all interested stakeholders to take part in a written consultation on the final drafts. For your convenience, this consultation package includes:
• Draft Guidelines for Persons with Disabilities on How to Act in Emergencies (including a relevant Toolbox)
• Draft Guidelines for First Responders on How to Act in Emergencies (including a relevant Toolbox)
Consultation arrangements:
• Format: Written consultation (comments submitted via email to UCPM_TAFF@worldbank.org, aanica@worldbank.org, dmoles@worldbank.org)
• Consultation period: June 8 - 16, 2026
Contributions received through this consultation will be used exclusively for the purposes of this advisory work. Feedback will be considered in finalizing the two sets of Guidelines, as relevant and applicable within the scope of this activity. Individual contributors will not be named in published materials. References may be made at the level of institution or role, where appropriate.
