Guinea-Bissau Strengthens National Capacities to Respond to Humanitarian Emergencies

Office of the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

World Food Programme (WFP)

Bissau, 15^(th) July 2025 – The Government of Guinea-Bissau, in close collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP), is holding a three-day training and consultation on preparing for and responding to humanitarian emergencies. This event is scheduled to take place from 16^(th) to 18^(th) July 2025, in Bissau.

The initiative brings together 50 representatives from public institutions, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and other strategic partners. Its aim is to strengthen national capacities in risk management, disaster response, and shock-sensitive social protection.

Over the course of three days, participants will analyze the primary risks impacting the country, review existing legal and operational mechanisms, and suggest practical steps to enhance coordination, accountability, and the efficiency of the humanitarian response. The training will also facilitate the harmonization of procedures and the development of shared resources, such as multisectoral rapid needs assessments.

This training is directly aligned with the implementation of Axis 1 of Guinea-Bissau's National Social Protection Policy (PNPS), which seeks to alleviate poverty and vulnerability, promote inclusive growth, and bolster resilience in the face of shocks. By enhancing national capabilities in emergency preparedness and response, the initiative helps to establish a more robust and responsive social protection system, as outlined in the PNPS 2025–2029 Implementation Strategy.

This joint effort is aligned with the development of the National Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Preparedness (DRR/EPR) and aims to ensure that Guinea-Bissau is better prepared to face natural and man-made shocks, especially protecting the most vulnerable groups, such as children, women and people with disabilities.

The Government of Guinea-Bissau, UNICEF and the WFP reaffirm their commitment to promoting a robust and responsive national social protection system. They also call on the international community, humanitarian partners and donors to continue to support the country's efforts to build resilience and protect the lives and wellbeing of its population