Tirana, Albania – September 19, 2024: A national workshop began today in Tirana, Albania, focusing on Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) and Recovery Planning. The two-day event brings together over 60 representatives from the Albanian government, the European Union, neighboring countries, and various international organizations.

The workshop seeks to enhance Albania’s disaster recovery capabilities, building on experiences from past PDNA implementations. It aims to support the government in formally adopting a national-level PDNA approach for future disaster recovery efforts.

During the opening session, representatives from the Albanian government, the European Union, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) emphasized the importance of this initiative. The Albanian government, reflecting on the 2019 earthquake response, reaffirmed its commitment to adopt the PDNA methodology for assessing damage and losses in future disasters.

The event features discussions, presentations on the PDNA methodology, and reviews of lessons learned. It also introduces the PDNA process to new participants from Albania and the region. Delegates from the Western Balkans, including UNDP representatives and national authorities, are attending to exchange insights and learn from Albania's experience.

Key topics at the workshop include Albania’s disaster management system and the use of PDNA after the 2019 earthquake, the PDNA methodology for assessing damage and recovery needs, and developing national recovery strategies. Participants will also explore lessons from other countries' PDNA experiences, analyse macro-economic and human impacts, discuss financing recovery efforts, and identify priority sectors for PDNA development in Albania.

"The civil defense system is more capable, with stronger and larger capacities, and is on a path of continuous growth and improvement. It is important that all disasters, as well as the processes related to disaster risk management, serve as lessons for all of us to improve our processes and procedures. We should focus more on preparedness, early warning, and timely response to minimize impacts", said Haki Cako, General Director of the National Agency of Civil Protection.

The UNDP Resident Representative in Albania Monica Merino underlined: “Post-Disaster Needs Assessments (PDNAs) are vital to initiating urgent recovery efforts after a disaster. PDNAs provide the foundation for recovery planning, enabling the restoration of livelihoods and the rebuilding of infrastructure in a way that addresses the unique challenges of each affected area. Reflecting on the 2019 earthquake that hit Albania, the PDNA was instrumental in shaping recovery efforts and guiding funding allocation”

This workshop is part of the global initiative "Strengthening Capacities for Crisis Assessment and Recovery Planning," funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP.