On 3 March 2026, the Executive Council of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) convened an Extraordinary Session in an online format, bringing together representatives of the all Executive Council Member States.

 

In his opening remarks, the Secretary-General presented a comprehensive report on the Organization’s ongoing activities, with particular emphasis on ensuring institutional reforms and effective administrative processes. He underlined recent steps aimed at reinforcing the Organization’s international standing, including the relocation of the ICDO Headquarters to the Nations District in Geneva and efforts to broaden global representation through the establishment of regional offices.

The President of the Executive Council, in his opening statement, emphasized the significance of strengthened governance and coordinated action among Member States, and underlined that the convening of the Extraordinary Session would be instrumental in addressing key priority issues and facilitating the timely adoption of necessary decisions for the effective functioning of the Organization.

The Executive Council engaged in substantive discussions on strengthening the Organization’s human resources capacity and advancing a comprehensive response approach to ensure the full implementation of its mandate. Member States reviewed the current status of humanitarian projects implemented by Organization and considered measures to enhance operational effectiveness and coordination.

 

Participants were also briefed on key upcoming milestones, including preparations for the next ordinary sessions of the General Assembly and the Executive Council, as well as plans for the first large-scale international field exercises to be conducted under ICDO auspices in 2027, which will bring together representatives of all Member States to enhance practical cooperation and coordination.

 

At the conclusion of the Extraordinary Session, the Executive Council adopted decisions relating to the Organization’s budget, the newly established and streamlined structure of the Permanent Secretariat, and measures aimed at safeguarding the legal interests of the Organization. The Session reaffirmed Organization’s commitment to the principles of transparency, accountability, and effective multilateral cooperation in strengthening civil protection systems worldwide.