On 26 June 2026, the Secretary-General of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO), Mr. Arguj Kalantarli, held an online meeting with Lieutenant Colonel Yoma Baka, Director General of the National Civil Protection Agency (ANPC) of the Togolese Republic.

The two sides exchanged views on the current priorities of the ICDO and discussed opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in the fields of civil protection, disaster risk reduction and capacity-building.

Mr. Kalantarli briefed his counterpart on the progress of the ICDO’s ongoing reform and modernization process, aimed at enhancing the Organization’s effectiveness, expanding cooperation with Member States and reinforcing its role in supporting national civil protection authorities. He also expressed his appreciation for Togo’s continued engagement within the Organization.

Lieutenant Colonel Yoma Baka, in turn, expressed his support for the ongoing reforms and initiatives being undertaken within the ICDO. He also welcomed the Secretary-General’s continued engagement with Member States through regular meetings with the heads of national civil protection authorities, emphasizing that such initiatives play an important role in strengthening the Organization’s cooperation with its Member States.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on current challenges in disaster management and to underline the importance of sharing experience, developing professional capacities and promoting closer cooperation in addressing emerging risks.