When the highest office of a nation opens its doors to disaster medicine that means something.
Republic of San Marino, 3 July 2026
On 3rd of July 2026, the European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC) stood before Their Excellencies the Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino, Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva - to host and present the European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC) EUROMED PROTECT-NET Forum, held under the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement of the Council of Europe.This was not a ceremonial formality. It was a reaffirmation, of 38 years of institutional trust between San Marino, the Council of Europe, and the World Health Organization, Of European Centre for Disaster Medicine (CEMEC's) role as a platform where political decision-making, scientific knowledge, and operational experience meet.
As Prof. Roberto Mugavero CEMEC stated before Their Excellencies:
"These are not simply two events on the same calendar, but two moments that form part of a single process. The Forum offers a platform for strategic dialogue. The Summer School translates this vision into training, practical exercises, simulations and the development of skills".
"No country can face these challenges alone. We need strong networks, shared knowledge, well-trained professionals and mutual trust among institutions."
The EUROMED PROTECT-NET Forum brought together high-level delegations from:
-WHO - WHO Regional Office for Europe
-WOAH - World Organisation for Animal Health
-International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC
-Council of Europe - EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement
PAM - Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean
CEMEC - European Centre for Disaster Medicine
And one more milestone was formally acknowledged before the Captains Regent: CEMEC's recent redesignation as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Security, CBRNe, and the Emergency Medical Teams Initiative, described by Prof. Roberto Mugavero CEMEC as "a source of great pride for the Republic of San Marino, but also a responsibility."
Looking ahead; in March 2027, San Marino will host three converging anniversaries: the 40th anniversary of CEMEC, the 40th anniversary of the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement, and the 15th Ministerial Session of that Agreement. A moment that will be, in Prof. Mugavero's words, not only a celebration, but "a political, scientific and institutional opportunity to look to the future."
Today, through the EUROMED Forum and the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) Medicine Summer School, renews its founding commitment:
"To bring together institutions, scientific knowledge and response capabilities — to help create a world that is better prepared, safer and more united."
www.cemec-sanmarino.eu
#CEMEC #EUROMEDForum #DisasterMedicine #CouncilOfEurope #WHO #SanMarino #CBRNe #HealthSecurity #CivilProtection #EUROPA #Preparedness #GlobalHealth #DisasterRisk #Resilience
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