The Egyptian government has taken a significant step towards enhancing its disaster management capabilities with the establishment of the National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management. This move is part of a broader effort to develop a more integrated national system for managing crises and disasters. The new authority will work on predicting risks, coordinating efforts among state institutions, and reducing losses to facilitate recovery and restore normal life.
The creation of the National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management follows a decision by the Egyptian Prime Minister in 2024 to restructure the National Committee for Crisis and Disaster Management. This committee was tasked with developing a comprehensive national strategy for managing crises and mitigating risks. The strategy aims to integrate disaster risk reduction into development policies, enhance coordination among various government agencies, and promote public awareness.
The National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management will not operate in isolation from other state institutions. Instead, it will work closely with various ministries, governorates, and agencies, including the armed forces, National Emergency and Public Safety Network, and the Egyptian Ambulance Service. This collaborative approach reflects the complex nature of crisis management, which often requires a multi-faceted response involving various sectors.
A key aspect of the new authority's mandate is to enhance preparedness and response capabilities at the local level. To achieve this, each governorate is required to establish a crisis and disaster management center, which will work closely with the national authority. These centers will be responsible for developing annual plans for emergency drills and exercises to prepare for potential disasters.
The leadership of the National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management has been appointed, with the President of Egypt issuing a decree in July 2026 appointing senior officials to key positions. The authority's chairman is Fathy Abdel Rahman, and its deputy is Major General Hani Mahmoud. The new leadership will oversee the authority's efforts to enhance crisis management capabilities and coordinate responses to emergencies.
The establishment of the National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management is part of a broader effort to enhance Egypt's disaster management capabilities. The country has taken steps to develop a more integrated approach to crisis management, including the creation of a strategic command center in the new capital city. This center will serve as a hub for coordinating responses to emergencies and disasters.
The National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management will play a critical role in promoting public awareness and education on disaster risk reduction. By working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, the authority aims to build a culture of resilience and preparedness in Egypt. This effort will be crucial in reducing the impact of disasters and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- The National Authority for Crisis and Emergency Management will enhance Egypt's disaster response and mitigation efforts.
- The authority will work closely with various government agencies and stakeholders to promote a culture of resilience and preparedness.
- The establishment of the authority reflects Egypt's commitment to developing a more integrated national system for managing crises and disasters.
