Zambia Hosts Multinational Disaster Response Workshop with North Carolina Partners

Representatives from the North Carolina National Guard, Botswana, Malawi, Moldova and Zambia gathered at Zambia Army Headquarters in Lusaka from 8 to 12 June for the North Carolina State Partnership Program Domestic Response Workshop.

Hosted by the Zambian Defence Force, the event marked the first time a State Partnership Program partner nation had hosted a multinational gathering of this kind on its own soil. Moldova took part virtually. The workshop focused on each country's past disaster responses, civilian-military collaboration and opportunities for stronger regional preparedness.

"This is the first time we have gathered five partner nations in one location outside of the United States," said US Army Lt Col Aaron Youngblood, North Carolina National Guard chief of domestic operations. "It was an amazing opportunity to come together in Zambia and focus on something different."

Discussions reflected a growing shift towards preparedness and mitigation rather than reacting after disasters strike. Participants shared after-action reports, exchanged lessons learned and examined how civilian and military agencies coordinate. Despite their geographic differences, representatives found they face common challenges, including floods and droughts.

For Zambia, hosting the workshop was a chance to deepen ties with its partners and strengthen regional response networks. "This workshop came at the right time," said Norman Chipakupaku, National Disaster Response Management Division national coordinator. "We want to continue sharing experiences and build resilience within our countries."

Organisers said the event underscored the maturity of the partnership and Zambia's growing leadership role.