International Crisis Management Conference held in Kavala

An international conference focusing on crisis and disaster management was held in Kavala between May 6 and May 9, 2026, bringing together more than 400 participants from 16 countries.

The event was organized through a collaboration between Democritus University of Thrace and University of York, with discussions centered on crisis management, risk planning, civil protection, security, and societal resilience.

Climate Crisis and Hybrid Threats Highlighted
Opening the conference, Theodoros Markopoulos emphasized the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, cyber threats, and public health emergencies.

Markopoulos stated that the conference provided an important scientific response to modern security and resilience challenges facing societies worldwide.

He noted that issues including hybrid threats, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and health crises increasingly test the resilience capacity of communities and governments.

Regional Cooperation and Scientific Planning in Focus
The deputy regional governor also highlighted the importance of scientific expertise, strategic planning, and cross-border collaboration in strengthening civil protection systems.

He welcomed the organization of such a high-profile international event in the region and praised Democritus University of Thrace as a major academic and developmental force for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.

During the conference, participants also shared ongoing regional initiatives and best practices related to civil protection and disaster preparedness.

The event served as a platform for academics, policymakers, security experts, and emergency management professionals to exchange knowledge and strengthen international cooperation on crisis response strategies.