First Citizen Summit 2016

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Each Citizen Summit deals with a number of specific topics related to different types of disasters and places at the centre of attention particular aspects that affect culturally informed disaster risk perceptions. During each event quantitative and qualitative data is also collected which will allow the CARISMAND team to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the citizens’ reactions and opinions on the topics discussed.

The first Citizen Summit took place on 9 July 2016 in Bucharest, Romania and was structured in a way that encourages participants to take an active part by having both interactive presentations and small group discussions, with between 10 and 12 participants per group. In order to make all participants feel comfortable and stimulate their contribution, simultaneous translation was provided throughout the project introduction and presentations while the group discussions were held entirely in Romanian.

The summit kicked off with a brief introduction of the CARISMAND project followed by presentations on disaster simulation exercises, personal emergency plans in case of disasters, and the use of social media in disasters. Members of the audience were asked a series of questions about each presentation. The audience provided their answers to these questions using individual key pads. This audience response system permitted researchers from the CARISMAND project instant access to the audience’s reactions.

During the presentations information was provided about disaster simulation exercises in Romania which are organised monthly at the level of every local fire brigade and every 3-6 months at county level.

The afternoon group discussions consisted of two main topics. The first topic addressed participants’ risk perceptions and intended behaviours in different disaster phases and different types of disasters. The second discussion topic aimed to identify cultural aspects which may affect disaster preparedness, relief and recovery, focusing not only on vulnerable groups but also on cultural factors which may strengthen the capabilities of individuals as well as communities.

For more information, follow the CARISMAND ‘News and Views’ Section for further results from the Citizen Summit discussions.

You could refer to the following documents (in Romanian language) related to the First Citizens Summit:

CARISMAND Project Factsheet

CARISMAND WP6 Summary of Findings

CARISMAND WP7 Summary of Findings

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The First Citizen Summit will take place in Sheraton Hotel Bucharest, which is perfectly located in the city center. The Romana Square subway and bus stations are at the hotel’s doorstep, connecting some of Bucharest’s most popular entertainment areas, business districts and parks.

For more information visit: http://sheratonbucharest.com/

or directly contact Sheraton Hotel Bucharest: (+4021) 201 5000

Agenda Top

Please note that all Working groups will be held in Romanian language. Any presentations in English will be translated simultaneously into Romanian; panel discussions will be held in Romanian with simultaneous translations into English available.

You could find the Programme in Romanian language here.