World Civil Defence Day (WCDD), also known as World Civil Protection Day, is annually observed across the globe on 1st March to honour the significance of Civil Defence and the personnel who have sacrificed their lives for it.
- 1st March 2024 marks the observance of 35th WCDD.
Aim: To raise public awareness of civil defence and its importance in protecting people and communities from the impact of emergencies and disasters.
Theme & Slogan:
i.The Theme of WCDD 2024 is “Honour Heroes and Promote Safety Skills”.
ii.The slogan for the day is “Innovative Technologies in the Civil Protection Service”.
Background:
i.WCDD was established by the International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO), based in Geneva, Switzerland.
ii.The first-ever World Civil Defence Day was observed in 1990 by the United Nations (UN).
iii.Civil Defence Day was officially inaugurated by the ICDO in 2012.
Why March 1?
March 1st marks the anniversary of the ICDO’s constitution coming into force. The ICDO constitution was adopted on 17th October 1966, came into force on 1st March 1972.
History of ICDO:
i.In 1931, Surgeon-General Georges Saint-Paul established the “Association des Lieux de Genève” in Paris, France.
ii.In 1958 the organization was renamed as International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO).
iii.In 1972, the status of the intergovernmental organisation (IO) was given to the ICDO (United Nations, Treaty Series, Volume 985, registration No. 14376).
Functions:
i.ICDO contribute to the development by States of structures ensuring the protection and assistance of populations.
ii.It also safe-guards property and the environment in the face of natural and man-made disasters.
About International Civil Defence Organisation (ICDO):
Secretary-General – Njoupouo YAP Mariatou
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established in – 1931
Members – Member States (60); Observer States (16); Affiliated Members (22)
