Country: World Source: UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Emergency sirens pierced the air as response teams mobilized around a simulated fire at a high-risk petroleum facility in Radès. Under intense, time-sensitive conditions, multiple agencies were put to the test coordinating actions, managing evolving risks, and making critical decisions in real time. This large-scale “white operation” exercise transformed theory into action, demonstrating the realities of managing fire risks in complex industrial environments and underscoring a critical truth: preparedness must be practiced to save lives and protect critical infrastructure. The simulation formed a central component of a regional workshop on preventive planning and protection of facilities from fire risks, held from 6 to 8 April and organized by the Naif Arab University for Security Sciences in collaboration with Tunisia’s civil protection authorities. Bringing together officials from Ministries of Interior, civil protection authorities, infrastructure operators, and technical experts from across the Arab region, the workshop reflected a growing shift from reactive response to proactive, risk-informed prevention. From planning to practice The Radès simulation provided participants with a unique opportunity to apply knowledge in a realistic operational setting. Through the exercise, participants: Tested inter-agency coordination and emergency response systems Applied preventive planning frameworks in real-life scenarios Strengthened decision-making under operation pressure Identified gaps to improve preparedness and response Advancing preventive planning in critical infrastructure Across the workshop’s sessions, discussions focused on strengthening fire risk management in increasingly complex urban and industrial systems. Participants explored: The use of artificial intelligence and predictive tools in fire risk analysis Application of engineering standards and international best practices Strengthening emergency management and business continuity planning Enhancing risk assessment methodologies for critical infrastructure These discussions highlighted the importance of addressing underlying risk drivers, including infrastructure vulnerabilities and operational exposure. Innovation and coordination at the core The workshop emphasized the role of innovation in improving fire prevention and response including: Smart systems for early detection and monitoring Predictive modelling for risk assessment and analysis Integrating solutions linking safety, infrastructure and operations At the same time, participants stressed that effective fire risk management depends on strong coordination across institutions, including civil protection authorities, municipalities, and infrastructure operators. Building a culture of prevention Beyond technology and policy, the workshop underscored the importance of building a culture of prevention and safety. Discussions highlighted: Strengthening institutional capacity and training systems Promoting adherence to safety standards and preventive measures Enhancing awareness across sectors and stakeholders Learning from past incidents to improve future performance Supporting Risk-Informed Approaches The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Arab States continues to support countries in advancing integrated, preventive approaches aligned with the Sendai Framework. Building a culture of prevention Raidan Alsaqqaf, Deputy Chief of Office at the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Office for Arab States (UNDRR ROAS) stated: “What makes this workshop particularly impactful is the strong link between knowledge and practice. The simulation in Radès demonstrates that effective disaster risk reduction requires not only planning, but the ability to test systems, coordination, and readiness in real conditions. Across the Arab region, there is a growing recognition that investing in prevention, innovation, and coordination is essential to managing increasingly complex risks, particularly in critical infrastructure. ” Towards stronger regional cooperation The workshop also served as a platform to strengthen regional collaboration and knowledge exchange. Participants called for: Expanding the use of preventive planning approaches Scaling up innovative technologies and tools Strengthening coordination across sectors and institutions Sustaining partnerships to support implementation Looking ahead As fire risks continue to evolve alongside rapid urbanization and industrial growth, the outcomes of this workshop signal a clear shift towards proactive, integrated risk management. By combining technical expertise, innovation, and real-world application, Arab States are taking concrete steps to strengthen preparedness, reduce risks, and safeguard lives, infrastructure, and development gains before disasters occur. Themes Disaster risk communication Preparedness Environment and ecosystems Country and region Tunisia
World: Arab States strengthen Fire Risk Preparedness through real-time simulation and regional cooperation in Tunis
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