site.bta14th Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence Annual Conference Opens in Sofia

Bulgaria's Deputy Defence Minister Lyubomir Monov opened the 14th Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence (CMDR COE) Annual Conference here on Monday. The event is being held jointly with the 4th International Conference on Environmental Protection and Disaster Risks, the Defence Ministry said.

In his welcome address, Monov noted the growing importance of crisis management and disaster response for national security, resilience, and NATO’s collective readiness. He said that the CMDR COE is an important tool for capability development, international cooperation, and adaptation to the changing security environment. The Deputy Minister also stressed the need for closer links between science, innovation, and practical solutions that support both strategic political leadership and field response teams.

Monov also pointed out the need to view security beyond the traditional military perspective, considering the resilience of institutions, protection of critical infrastructure, continuity of processes, and the readiness of societies to respond to complex crises.

The conference will run until June 3. It includes panels and discussions dedicated to disaster management, operational interoperability, and integrated risk management approaches, among others.