Ghada Ahmadein, Program Director at the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED), participated in the Board of Directors meetings of the Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Risk Reduction. She attended in her capacity as the Regional Representative for North Africa and West Asia on the Global Network’s Board.

The “Global Council” meetings were held at the headquarters of the Global Network in the United Kingdom over three days, from February 17^th to 19^th, 2025. During the sessions, members discussed the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which resulted in the halting of a major disaster risk reduction project being implemented in 11 countries.

The Board members also discussed the strategic priorities for the Global Network from 2025 to 2030 considering emerging global and regional challenges, most notably the increasing negative impacts of climate change, as well as risks arising from desertification and ecosystem degradation.

The project, implemented by the Global Network through its civil society members in 11 countries, aims to enhance the resilience of local communities to environmental and social challenges. Spanning five years, the project focuses on supporting local humanitarian action, building the capacities of local organizations, and empowering communities to implement self-led solutions. It also seeks to strengthen local leadership, particularly among women and youth, while disseminating best practices across these countries.