The ICSS partners with the World Health Organization on Risk Communication at major sporting events

The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), the not-for-profit institution that specializes in sport security and integrity, has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to stage a workshop on Risk Communication during mass gatherings.

The workshop was part of a WHO event, which took place on 7th-8th June in Bali, Indonesia. The event was sponsored by the United States Department of Human and Health Services and hosted by the Government of Indonesia. It brought together key speakers from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, News Media, Asia Europe Foundation and Siemens, as well as risk managers, academics, risk communication networks, alert and response experts and other essential policy makers.

The aim of the WHO-ICSS workshop was to share experiences in risk communication and develop multisectoral information sharing approaches and platforms to manage global public health risks. It included presentations on ‘Multisectoral Collaboration in Preparation for a Mass Gathering Event: Rationale for a Public and Private Partnership’, ‘Risk Intelligence for Risk Reduction’, and ‘Multisectoral Collaboration in Preparation for a Mass Gathering Event: Economic Aspects’.

The event was attended by senior government officials from Asia-Pacific countries and countries with an interest in the Asia-Pacific region, senior management from private companies, representatives from civil society, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

Mohammed Hanzab, President, of the ICSS said: "The protection of mass gatherings and, in particular, major sporting events requires a team approach. Multisectoral cooperation is vital to ensure the safety and security of complex events and to build long-lasting reforms at international, regional and national levels. Following a request from the WHO, the ICSS was delighted to contribute to this event through the organization of a Risk Communication workshop. We believe the session will aid the development of an integrated approach in which different sectors work together to enhance the protection of major events and the unique opportunities they create for socio-economic development."

Massimiliano Montanari, Director of International Cooperation and External Relations, at the ICSS said: "Planned cooperation between health authorities and the security community is essential in the event of a crisis. The ICSS believes this concept must be expanded to encompass cooperation with the private sector and civil society, including media and other relevant stakeholders who play an active role in risk communication and other key elements in the management of a major event."

As well as working with the WHO and supporting sporting event organizers, the ICSS is driving two major initiatives with the Institute for Fan Culture (IfF) into fan behavior, and the Université Paris I – Panthéon-Sorbonne which will see the creation of a new central hub to promote and support global sporting integrity.

For further information and if you are interested in a media briefing, please contact:

Director, Media and Public Relations

siham.alawami@theicss.org M: +974 6689 2188

Clair Ashley, VERO Communications

cashley@verocom.co.uk M: +44 7889 866 697

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