Global Learning In Disaster Management

The great polymath of Eastern philosophy, Chanakya, once stated, "Before you start some work, always ask yourself three...

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The great polymath of Eastern philosophy, Chanakya, once stated, "Before you start some work, always ask yourself three questions: Why am I doing it? What might the results be? Will I be successful? Only when you think deeply and find satisfactory answers to these questions should you proceed." Before embarking on the International Training Programme (ITP) on Disaster Risk Management (DRM), implemented by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), we asked ourselves these same questions. Our inner resolve told us to move forward.

After applying and being selected from among numerous applicants, we embarked on this remarkable journey of learning and sharing in December 2023, marking the seventh and final cycle of this phase, which continued until November 2024. The ITP is designed to strengthen the capacities of organisations with strategic importance to the social and economic development of partner countries, enabling them to lead organisational change for enhanced DRM performance. To date, the ITP has equipped nationals from Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Cambodia, including 51 Nepali participants, 45 Bangladeshi participants, 62 participants from the Philippines, and 15 Cambodians, with essential knowledge and skills, empowering them to design and implement impactful DRM projects.



This journey involves a combination of fruitful online meetings, workshops, and face-to-face training in the host country, Sweden, for a few weeks. The ITP journey is not just about training in DRM, but it is an opportunity to share cultures, foster cooperation, and build lasting friendships among the host and participating countries. It embodies the Vedic philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the” one world family.

The face-to-face training in Sweden offered participants a chance to not only learn and share about DRM but also to reflect on European development, achievements, and their commitment to DRM and nature conservation. As part of this enriching experience, the journey to Sweden in March 2024 was an exciting element of the ITP programme. While having a meal in the early morning at 3 a.

m., we observed planes hovering in the sky over Dubai International Airport, some taxiing along the runway and apron, while others were lined up, ready to race down the runway. Meanwhile, shuttle buses were rushing to transport passengers like us to the transit points.

At the Dubai Airport lounge, we met our Filipino and Bangladeshi friends, who were also travelling to participate in the same ITP programme, all against the backdrop of a stunning sunrise over the skyline and deserts of Dubai. From there, we started our journey together to Stockholm, Sweden, aboard a well-equipped Emirates Airbus aircraft. Upon arriving in Sweden, the warmth of summer greeted us with gentle rain.

Equally welcoming was Fanny, the programme coordinator of the ITP Programme Management Team, whose warm smile and gracious hospitality awaited us at the arrival time at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. On the bus journey from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Zinkensdamm, passing through picturesque suburbs, tree-lined avenues, and well-planned urban landscapes, we observed the disciplined European lifestyle, which helped ease the fatigue of a day-long journey and the effects of jet lag. The road system consisted of at least four lanes, accommodating trains, buses, private vehicles, trams, bicycles, and pedestrians, all moving in an orderly fashion.

The magnificent tree plantations lining both sides of the lanes, the white smoke rising from chimneys in the industrial areas, the cities beautifully situated along the banks of the river and the Baltic Sea, strict adherence to traffic lights and rules, the absence of traffic police, and zero violations of traffic regulations were striking. We also noticed the preservation of natural rock formations during physical development, the abundance of cyclists, and the harmonious integration of urban and natural elements. All these scenes were captured by both our eyes and camera lenses simultaneously.

On our first sunrise in Sweden, we met with all the participants for the first time after several online meetings and interactions. We joined an almost 8-hour-long session, which included fika—a Swedish tradition involving a break with coffee and pastries. The session began with interesting presentations without PowerPoint slides, and we actively participated in group work using creative methods.

Role-playing exercises brought drama to every subject, and entertaining games and informal training exercises allowed us to engage without feeling pressured. We were so immersed in the activities that we lost track of time. These sessions were made even more beautiful by the wonderful leadership and expertise of Emilia, Olivia, Jenny, Mathias, and Marielle, and the excellent management of Oscar, Anna, and Fanny.

Throughout the training, we were overwhelmed by the hospitality and support they provided us in this welcoming, yet new, land. We gifted a traditional Nepali Surke Thaili, a coin and cash purse made of cotton or Dhaka fabric, with a silk lining and string closure. This was accompanied by a unique performance of the song Surke Thaili Khai.

We also promoted the Pashmina shawl as a delightful and warm souvenir for everyone. National and international practices of DRM, pictorial descriptions of what we learnt, DRM model exercises, and presentations of creative project ideas, along with dramatic appointments as expert members, were some of the memorable moments in the training hall of Zinkensdamm Hotel. A truly unique moment came when scribe Keshav, showcasing love, friendship, and respect, gifted his own Dhaka Topi to the training programme manager, Oscar.

When we saw Oscar in Nepali attire, the eager line of participants from other countries wanting to take photos seemed to add an extra touch of warmth and joy to the occasion. In particular, the presentation of our country, Nepal, left a lasting impression. We spent the entire night preparing, and the next day, we proudly performed in national costumes, making a grand entry to the tune of the song Rato ra Chandra Surya.

A photo of Nepal’s famous cultural and historical landmarks, including the first temple, Changunarayan Temple, was displayed. We were especially delighted to see the mayor of Changunarayan Municipality deliver an online message. On behalf of the municipality and the Government of Nepal, he thanked the host country, Sweden, and invited all participants and Swedish colleagues to visit Nepal in the future.

As part of this enriching experience, we also had a productive field visit to the Stockholm Royal Seaport, which is the largest urban development area in Sweden, with plans for at least 12,000 new homes and 35,000 workplaces. There, we gained a clear understanding of what urban planning in line with the concept of sustainable development looks like at the field level. We observed how the built environment and the natural surroundings were developed and promoted in a balanced way, with each maintaining its own unique characteristics.

We learnt how to lay the foundation for creating a dynamic and attractive environment that also supports long-term sustainable urban development. For example, the buffer zone between the nearby Royal National City Park and the residential area was managed with a focus on ecotourism and recreation. Additionally, considering the ecosystem in the heart of the city, a small canal was created to protect even frogs, allowing people to move around while maintaining the habitat.

In this development, insects and frogs were also considered integral parts of the community. Along with the development of disaster- and disability-friendly physical infrastructure, the area seamlessly integrates old and new urban elements, with large buildings blending harmoniously with small plants and vegetation. We found this to be truly a model of development.

The visit provided many valuable lessons, where some features and infrastructure at Stockholm Royal Seaport were high-tech, while others, such as environmental aspects, were relatively simple and could easily be implemented or adapted in Nepal. We maintain ongoing communication with the Stockholm Royal Seaport and the Stockholm City Council to gain further insights. Their experiences have provided many valuable lessons, where some features and infrastructure at the seaport were high-tech, while others, such as environmental aspects, were simpler and easily adaptable to Nepal.

Our expertise in engineering and forestry is to learn from their practices so we can advocate for implementing similar strategies in Nepal. At the resort where the training was conducted, we were able to experience the beautiful natural environment, and it also had a kitchen for guests to cook for themselves. As Nepali participants, we took the opportunity to cook noodles and Nepali dal-bhat together, sharing a taste of home.

We shared this meal with fellow participants from other countries. The sense of camaraderie was further enhanced during a closing dinner held outside the programme venue in Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm. The historic Swedish architecture and ambiance provided the perfect setting, and the intimacy of the gathering was enriched by performances of dances and songs from the three participating countries and the host country.

The finalisation journey in November 2024 in Nepal with Nepali and Bangladeshi ITP alumni and colleagues was truly memorable. We had a wonderful time sharing our successes with them. It was great to meet Matilda from ITP for the first time, as we hadn't had the chance to meet her in Sweden.

Additionally, our insightful discussions with Phu and Jenny from Lund University were both inspiring and motivating, as their pracademic roles exemplified a perfect blend of practice and academia. The in-person training in Sweden offered an exceptional platform to exchange insights and learn from the experiences of participants from diverse countries. These interactions were both inspiring and instrumental in broadening our understanding of global DRM practices.

The year-long virtual engagement, actively facilitated by the organisers, further enriched the learning process, keeping us connected and engaged. The change initiatives we proposed were well-structured and impactful at the country level. The program’s focus on cross-cutting issues, such as gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), human rights, and environmental sustainability, significantly enhanced our approach to disaster resilience and project implementation.

Group activities, including detailed tabletop simulation exercises and a field visit to the Stockholm Royal Seaport, provided hands-on, practical learning opportunities. Problem analysis tools like the fishbone analysis proved invaluable in identifying root causes and simplifying project planning, offering an efficient alternative to traditional tree diagrams. The semi-formal training format fostered open communication and collaboration.

Icebreakers and interactive sessions kept the learning dynamic, and we’ve successfully incorporated these methods into our own programmes. The opportunity also provided a unique platform to connect with professionals from various organisations and countries. We’ve maintained strong relationships with peers from Sweden, Bangladesh, and the Philippines, sharing insights on DRM programmes and recent disaster events.

These engagements deepened our understanding of DRM efforts globally and helped us apply this knowledge locally. On a personal level, the programme was transformative. It marked a pivotal moment in our academic and professional journeys, sharpening our focus on the DRM sector.

We collaborated with European institutions, working on projects in Denmark and initiating research collaborations in Germany. Additionally, we shared key insights from our visit to Europe with government officials through both formal and informal discussions, enriching these exchanges with valuable perspectives. We’ve shared our experiences through articles in national newspapers, reflecting on the development practices observed during our training in Sweden and travels across Europe.

These experiences expanded our perspectives and opened doors for further specialisation in disaster management. The skills we gained have been applied to designing and implementing projects, as well as conducting training sessions and workshops that integrate gender, diversity, and environmental considerations. The ITP programme has been a transformative journey, equipping us with practical tools, global perspectives, and valuable connections.

Beyond the formal training, we also had the opportunity to visit four additional countries of Northern Europe: Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Germany, adding them to our travel list and making our international journey even more unforgettable.The trip to these four countries was not just travel but also an unplanned and unofficial study visit, offering valuable insights into European civilisation, engineering, architecture, forestry, and much more. Walking through the streets, laughing together, and discovering the cities was an unforgettable experience.

It was truly a journey filled with valuable lessons, personal growth, and amazing memories. (Er. Paudel is a Civil Engineer with a specialization in structural earthquake engineering.

Malashi holds a degree in forestry with a specialization in Natural Resource Management and Rural Development.).