International collaboration to enhance fire safety and prevention

On December 1, the International Association of Fire Services for Safer Citizens through Skilled Firefighters (CTIF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Dubai Directorate General for Civil Defence.

This significant event took place during the opening ceremony of the World Fire Reduction Emission Alliance at the COP 28 World Climate Conference.

Details of the Memorandum of Understanding

The MOU, signed by CTIF President Milan Dubravac and representatives from several other global organizations, outlines a comprehensive plan for cooperation between CTIF and the Dubai Civil Defence. Key aspects of the agreement include:

1. Holding awareness forums to provide information aimed at reducing the effects of fires or hazards.
2. Collaborative work on laws and standards relevant to fire safety and First-party programs, focusing on education, best practices, and research.
3. Joint efforts in awareness conferences, training, certification programs, and forums.
4. Participation in fire research, data analysis, economic impact assessments, and international comparisons.
5. Collaborative work on fire prevention and fire safety information dissemination at the community level.
6. Encouraging dialogue and information exchange.
7. Annual consulting meetings between key contacts of both parties to discuss current agreements and review potential projects​​.

CTIF Joins Global Dialogue on Climate Change and Fire Safety

The Executive Committee of the International Association of Fire Services (CTIF) attended the COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai as specially invited guests.

This attendance marked a significant milestone for CTIF, highlighting its role in the global conversation on climate change and fire safety.

The delegation, led by President Milan Dubravac, emphasised the fire protection sector’s vital role in safeguarding life, property, and the environment​​.

Influential contributions

The conference featured key speakers such as Lt. General Rashid Thani al Matroushi, Director General of Civil Defense in Dubai, and Lt. Colonel Dr. Ahmed al Zarouni of the Ministry of Interior.

Their speeches underscored the link between fire safety and environmental protection. Major Essa al Mutaea from Dubai Civil Defence also delivered an eco-readiness demonstration, showcasing practical steps towards environmental preparedness​​.

Dubai Civil Defence presented its innovative environmental readiness program, which includes a world map of carbon emissions from fire incidents.

This initiative demonstrates fires’ significant impact on climate change and is part of Dubai’s ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions from fires by 80% by 2050, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero pathway​​.

Dubai’s pioneering role in fire safety and AI Use

Dubai Civil Defence has been internationally recognized for its use of advanced technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in fire safety and prevention.

This has been exemplified in various international collaborations, such as with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), where Dubai Civil Defence was praised for its security, safety protocols, and innovative use of AI in operations.

The department’s commitment to maintaining high international standards in public safety and crisis prevention was reaffirmed during these collaborations​​.

Global acclaim for Dubai Civil Defence

Dubai Civil Defence’s global role and influence were further highlighted during their participation in the “Digital Transformation Summit” in South Africa.

Their leadership in applying modern technologies and AI to proactive forecasting, awareness-raising, and fire prevention was lauded by the Fire Protection Organization in South Africa (FPASA), one of the largest firefighting organizations globally.

 Dubai Civil Defence’s initiatives aim to develop cutting-edge capabilities for civil defense organizations worldwide, focusing on safety, security, and safeguarding lives and property​​.

International Alliance and Eco Readiness program

CTIF’s visit to a Dubai fire station and participation in high-level conferences at COP28 spotlighted the launch of an international alliance aimed at enhancing global firefighting collaboration and efficiency.

This alliance focuses on sharing knowledge and best practices, building stronger international connections, and developing data-driven strategies to understand and reduce wildfires’ carbon footprint.

The introduction of the ‘Eco Readiness Program’, a digital tool for analysing real-time climate data to forecast climate impacts, further underscores the importance of technology and data in fire safety and environmental protection​​.

IFSJ Comment

This memorandum between CTIF and Dubai Civil Defence marks a significant advancement in international efforts to enhance fire safety and prevention.

The collaboration, emphasising the importance of awareness, research, and the use of advanced technologies, reflects a global shift towards more proactive and informed approaches to fire safety.

Dubai’s pioneering role in integrating AI into fire safety operations serves as a beacon for other fire services worldwide.

The partnership is not just a testament to the increasing globalization of fire safety standards but also highlights the growing importance of technology and data analysis in this field.

It represents a strategic step towards a safer global community, demonstrating how international cooperation can lead to more effective and innovative solutions in public safety.