Islamabad: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Pakistan has successfully completed a comprehensive capacity building program aimed at bolstering emergency response preparedness for the upcoming monsoon season.

According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the program, spanning 2023 and 2024, comprised 14 training sessions. These included ten sessions focused on Multisector Rapid Need Assessment (MSRNA) and four tailored to enhance the capabilities of District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs). The initiative trained a total of 719 participants, encompassing 343 government officials, 261 NGO representatives, 72 members of international NGOs, and 43 individuals from various United Nations agencies.

Significantly, women constituted 31 percent of the attendees, underscoring OCHA’s commitment to inclusive training. The breakdown of participants also highlighted a strong representation from the humanitarian sector, with 84% of the trainees, alongside 16% from governmental bodies. This strategic training program was designed to equip a diverse group of stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and respond to potential crises during the monsoon period.