The training program for experts from the Albanian Civil Protection Agency, conducted by the Italian Civil Protection Department from April to July 2024, concluded with the awarding of participation certificates.
Hosted at the Italian Residence, the ceremony honored the 30 participants, attended by distinguished guests: Italy’s Ambassador to Tirana, Fabrizio Bucci; Head of the Italian Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano; Director of AICS Tirana, Stefania Vizzaccaro; and the Director of the Albanian National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC), Haki Çako.
The ceremony highlighted the main activities carried out under the project “Establishment of a National Emergency Operations Center for the Albanian National Civil Protection Agency,” funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The training program was an integral and essential component of the project. Through 19 modules delivered by Italian Civil Protection specialists, participants addressed both theoretical and operational topics, including emergency management and support for local authorities across various sectors.
Since 2019, collaboration between AICS, the Italian Civil Protection Department, and AKMC has enabled a progressive enhancement of the services and operational capabilities of the Albanian Agency. Following the establishment and launch of the “National Emergency Operations Center for the Albanian National Civil Protection Agency,” coordination has improved within the European Civil Protection Mechanism, of which Albania is a participant.
In his remarks, Ambassador Fabrizio Bucci emphasized “the excellence of the Italian Civil Protection System, which is a model of competence at both European and global levels, providing a valuable example for other countries. Projects like this strengthen collaboration between Albania and Italy, fostering a more united and secure future in facing civil emergencies.”
Stefania Vizzaccaro, Director of AICS Tirana, underlined the importance of “not only providing facilities and resources to strengthen the services of the Albanian Civil Protection Agency, but also ensuring extensive and multi-level staff training. This approach anticipates the scope and consequences of catastrophic events and enables effective response on the ground.”
