On October 6-7, 2025, the World Bank, the Kyrgyz Republic’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (MOES), and Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) jointly convened a technical knowledge exchange on Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Republic.

Held in conjunction with the country’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Month (September 5–October 5), the international exchange aimed to strengthen national and local rescue capacities for disaster risk management in the Kyrgyz Republic by drawing on good practice on EP&R from Japan. The exchange concluded with the National DRR Month’s closing conference, “Disaster Risk Reduction in the Context of Climate Change in the Kyrgyz Republic.”

Over the course of the exchange and conference, discussions focused on four pillars: (i) the organization and governance of firefighting systems; (ii) preparedness and response to large-scale disasters, including early warning, diversified information channels, and anticipatory actions; (iii) human resource development and international cooperation; and (iv) Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) systems, training, and deployment. In addition to technical presentations and panel discussions, an interactive tabletop simulation enabled participants to test decision-making processes, share methods for addressing challenging USAR scenarios, and exchange concrete examples of best practices.

Mr. Mambetov Azamat Muratovich, First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, who participated in the event said “Equally important is the opportunity to exchange experiences and technical knowledge with partners such as the FDMA of Japan. The lessons and expertise shared here today will not only help strengthen the Kyrgyz Republic’s capacity to prepare for and respond to disasters but also foster closer cooperation between our institutions and countries.”

Mr. Katsuya Hisano of FDMA joined from Japan and said, “the MOES and the FDMA are important partners that have concluded a memorandum of cooperation in the field of disaster management. This exchange marked the first opportunity for knowledge and technical exchange since the signing of the memorandum. We were inspired by the proactive attitude of the participants from the Kyrgyz Republic side, and the exchange proved to be highly meaningful, allowing both sides to learn from and enhance one another. We hope that continued exchanges will contribute to the further development of disaster management in both countries and to the deepening of bilateral relations.”

Representatives from the Embassy of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency were also present during the international exchange, highlighting Japan’s strong support for the Kyrgyz Republic’s efforts to build stronger preparedness and response capacities. Japanese Ambassador Hideki Goda said, “I wish to express our deep appreciation for the partnership and collaboration that allow us to share our world-class expertise and experience. We commend the MOES for its leadership and vision. Japan, together with the World Bank, remains firmly committed to supporting the Kyrgyz Republic and its partners in building a safer and more resilient future for all.”

By connecting key disaster risk management agencies in the two countries, the exchange helped advance next steps to reduce disaster response times, strengthen inter-agency and international coordination, and expand community-level preparedness in high-risk areas.

Concluding the international exchange, the World Bank Group Country Manager Hugh Riddell noted “The activities organized this month—including public information campaigns, drills, and educational competitions—reflect the country’s commitment to building a culture of safety and resilience at all levels of society.”

Following the knowledge exchange, MOES staff gained better understanding to strengthen governance and coordination of firefighting systems; enhance disaster preparedness and response through improved early warning, multi-channel information flows, and anticipatory actions; and advance human resource development and international cooperation. Participants also gained practical skills in USAR training and deployment—tested through the tabletop simulation, enabling more effective decision-making, adoption of best practices, and improved operational performance in complex, large-scale emergencies.

This knowledge exchange was delivered under the World Bank’s technical assistance programs “Deepening Disaster Risk Preparedness and Resilience for Kyrgyz Republic” and “​​Strengthening Emergency Preparedness in Kyrgyzstan​”. These initiatives are financed by the Japan–World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries, which is funded by the Government of Japan and receives technical support from the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) Tokyo Disaster Risk Management Hub.