The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the government and the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (INGD), and with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), launched the third phase of national trainings aimed at strengthening disaster resilience, climate adaptation, and social cohesion in the country, the UN agency announced on Wednesday, November 5.
According to the statement, the event is taking place from November 3 to 6 in the city of Chimoio, Manica province, following previous trainings held in Pemba (Cabo Delgado) and Beira (Sofala). The initiative is part of a national effort to train 175 provincial and district focal points from the Technical Councils for Disaster Management (CTPGD/CTDGD) and the Emergency Operations Centers (COE) in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Niassa, Sofala, and Manica, equipping them with tools and knowledge to anticipate, respond to, and recover from crises more effectively.
The training in Manica brings together 41 participants from the districts of Chimoio, Macate, Vanduzi, and Gondola, aiming to strengthen skills in disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, risk communication, inter-institutional coordination, and conflict-sensitive approaches—all considered essential for building resilient and cohesive communities.
At the opening session, Ana Cristina João Manuel, Director of the National Emergency Operations Center (CENOE), expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from KOICA and UNDP in implementing this initiative in the provinces most affected by climate change and conflicts.
“This training is not just about technical skills; it’s about empowering local actors to make a difference in their daily work. At the end of this process, our focal points will be better prepared to save lives, strengthen coordination, and ensure that no one is left behind,” she said.
Ana Cristina Manuel also highlighted that the knowledge gained will be shared with local communities, promoting a culture of prevention, preparedness, and community solidarity.
Welcoming the participants, Borges Inácio Viagem, the provincial delegate of INGD in Manica, called for an environment of collaboration and experience sharing during the four-day training.
“Active participation, open dialogue, and the exchange of experiences are essential. Every contribution will strengthen our collective ability to respond more effectively to the challenges posed by disasters and climate change,” he stated.
The training in Chimoio marks an “important step in Mozambique’s efforts” to strengthen institutional and community resilience in the face of increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The country remains among the most vulnerable in the world to the impacts of climate change, facing tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and population displacement.
Through this series of trainings, UNDP, INGD, and KOICA aim to operationalize a multidimensional and conflict-sensitive approach, integrating risk reduction, climate adaptation, and social inclusion. The sessions use participatory methodologies adapted to the local context, promoting skills in damage and loss assessment, early warning systems, strategic communication, and data-driven decision-making.
