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The new evidence document on Strengthening Societal Resilience to Disasters: Improving Engagement and Communication among Citizens and Authorities expresses recommendations and actions from a high critical mass of multi-sectoral and pluridisciplinary knowledge in support of civil protection and related policies towards improved engagement and communication among authorities and citizens in DRM. It has been produced by nine Horizon projects (, ENGAGE, , CORE, MEDIATE, PARATUS, BuildERS, RESILOC, and DIRECTED) under the Societal Resilience Cluster and gathers the views of more than 100 organisations.

Key Takeaways include:

• Build competencies and knowledge in the population through dedicated events and education programmes;
• Identify and integrate supporting initiatives (e.g. resource mobilization and volunteers, local expertise) from the population in preparatory phases, which can be utilized during response and recovery time;
• Develop strategies for strengthening community support networks, including private citizens, aid workers, ‘intermediaries’, and other stakeholders for identifying diverse needs and building local DRM capacities;
• Work together with local leaders (e.g.community organizers, religious leaders, business owners) to identify which communication means and content is most accessible, understandable, and useful for individuals (including the most vulnerable) with diverse needs.