On 4 September 2026, the international round table “Transformation of Firefighter and Rescuer Training Systems in ICDO Member States” was held in Kazan as part of the XVI International Exhibition for Security and Safety Equipment “Integrated Safety and Security 2026”. The event was organized with the participation of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO) and the Saint Petersburg University of the State Fire Service of EMERCOM of Russia.

The round table brought together representatives of ICDO Member States, specialized educational institutions, fire and rescue services, and international experts. A number of international participants joined the event via videoconference, expanding international participation and enabling direct professional exchange among specialists from different countries.

The Secretary-General of ICDO delivered welcoming remarks, emphasizing that the training of firefighters and rescuers is one of the Organization’s key areas of activity and must continue to evolve in response to emerging risks, new technologies, and changing requirements for professional competencies.

The discussions addressed modern approaches to the development of national training systems, the introduction of digital learning technologies, professional certification, the establishment of qualification levels, and the assessment of firefighter and rescuer competencies.

Particular attention was given to ICDO’s role as an international platform connecting training centres and educational institutions across its Member States. During the presentation by ICDO representatives, a concept for the further development of an international training system was introduced, incorporating the ICDO International Online Academy, a network of national training centres, the development of a professional competency framework, and mechanisms for assessing and validating specialists’ qualifications.

Participants also discussed the broader use of distance learning. For ICDO Member States located across different regions of the world, online education can help reduce geographical, visa, and language barriers while providing wider access to international training programmes.

At the same time, it was emphasized that digital learning cannot replace practical training for firefighters and rescuers, but should complement it by providing opportunities for theoretical instruction, testing, preparatory learning, and selected professional development programmes in an online environment.

During presentations and discussions, representatives of Member States and the expert community shared national experience in firefighter and rescuer training, professional competency development, the introduction of modern technologies, and the improvement of educational programmes.

The round table marked another step in advancing ICDO’s international cooperation in professional training and creating opportunities for the exchange of advanced educational practices, technologies, and professional expertise among Member States.