The first meeting of the series of Iranian-German exchange on volunteerism in disaster risk management in the framework of the INCREASE project was held on Wednesday, May 18, 1401 (May 18).

This collaboration within the INCREASE project was aimed at the establishment of a joint exchange on civilian volunteerism in Iran and Germany. The main focus was on volunteerism in civil protection of both countries. Participating institutions from both countries are interested in learning more about the nature and practices in volunteerism in the partner country and they are looking forward to contributing to this exchange. The exchange is open for interested institutions from both countries to join. Topics of interest can be added by the participants.

Speakers at the first Joint Meeting were Mr Nils Krippner, headquarter of the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief  with title engagement as a THW volunteer in Germany, and Dr Abbas ostadtaghizadeh, Faculty Member and Head of the health in disasters and emergencies department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences with the title “The role of volunteerism during Covid-19 pandemic in Iran” and Mr. Saeed Yaghoubi PhD student in health disasters and emergencies، with the title “A century of volunteer services of Iranian Red Crescent Society”. After presenting the speakers and transferring information and experiences of both Iranian and German sides, professors and guests from both countries discussed and asked questions about the issues raised.

This project will be held virtually on the first available Wednesday of each month in cooperation with the Department of health in disaster and emergencies of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW).