Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA) has organised the first Community Responder forum dedicated to volunteer work at Al Azm Hall within its administration complex. This initiative is part of the second phase of the ''Our Community is Prepared'' campaign.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event was attended by Brigadier Salem Abdullah bin Barrak Al Dhaheri, Director General of ADCDA, alongside several senior officials and strategic partners. Brigadier Al Dhaheri, in his opening remarks, highlighted the forum's role in promoting a culture of volunteerism and enhancing community cohesion. He emphasized that volunteer work has become a crucial element in supporting the safety ecosystem through the integration of various entities within a sustainable institutional framework, aimed at safeguarding public safety and property, thus enhancing the quality of life in Abu Dhabi.
He further underscored the authority's dedication to preparing qualified volunteer cadres, supporting civil defence teams and partners, and advocating for a preventive culture as a standard way of life. This dedication aims to boost community preparedness and improve the ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Notably, the launch of the Community Responder application was highlighted as a pivotal step toward empowering community members, providing them with accredited training programmes to facilitate faster response times and improved incident handling, aligning with international best practices.
Brigadier Al Dhaheri expressed gratitude to the strategic partners for their support of the General Framework for Volunteer Work. He acknowledged the contributions of the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, Abu Dhabi Media Office, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority - Abu Dhabi, the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an, Emirates Foundation's SANID Programme, Wajeb Volunteer Association, Zayed Volunteer Search and Rescue Team, and Al Ain Volunteer Rescue Team.
The forum featured an introductory presentation on the Community Responder application and its registration process, alongside showcasing training programmes designed for volunteers to meet the highest professional standards. Additionally, the event included a panel discussion focused on enhancing volunteer work by ensuring volunteer safety, clarifying role protocols and responsibilities, and supporting the effective execution of volunteer initiatives. The discussion also emphasized the significance of training volunteers in occupational safety as a vital component of the public safety system.