Nordregio is an international research institute established by the Nordic Council of Ministers

28 April 2026

Who does what in a crisis? Civil preparedness from the citizen to the state

Civil preparedness is often discussed in terms of national systems and emergency response. Yet in practice, preparedness is built and maintained through local and regional governance, everyday services, and public communication.

This webinar presents a Nordic policy overview of civil preparedness, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of municipalities, regions, national authorities, citizens, civil society and businesses.

Through presentations and discussion with Nordic practitioners, the webinar explores how preparedness is organised across countries, what works well, where challenges remain, and whether Nordic cooperation adds value at the local level.

Programme

13:00Welcome & setting the scene

Anne Katrine Ebbesen, Senior Communications Advisor, Nordregio – Moderator
Elin Slätmo, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio – Project Lead
13:10Nordic policy overview: How is civil preparedness organised?

Line Andreasen, Junior Research Fellow, Nordregio – Research presenter
13:30  Preparedness in practice: Three perspectives

Municipal level – Carina Sammeli, Luleå Municipality, Sweden
Regional level – Urdur Gunnarsdottir – East-Icelandic Regional Council, Iceland
Civil Society level – TBA
14:15     Audience Q&A and reflection
14:25Wrap-up & next steps

Information

28 April 2026

13:00 – 14:30 CET

Contact person

Senior Communications Advisor