The name of the new organization is 'Civilian Resilience Nordic', with its preferred abbreviation being 'CIReN'.
"CIReN will aim to improve the capabilities of Northern European citizens and organizations in the event of actual or potential natural disasters, terrorism, hybrid threats/grey zones, military action or other anthropogenic disasters, and to contribute to greater resilience by strengthening threat reduction and preparedness, emergency response and business continuity and restoration," the organization said.
It promises to "bring together experts, universities and organizations to implement resilience training, audits, certification, strategic communication, public mobilization and education, lobby for improvements in emergency management regulation, as well as provide assistance in the form of outsourcing to companies, institutions and citizens in real crisis situations."
Founder Janis Vanags told Latvian Radio that the NGO hopes "to raise public awareness and show that security and defense are not just things done by fireighters, the armed forces etcetera. Security is the responsibility of all members of society," particularly in the context o Russia's attack on Ukraine.
The media also has a vital role to play in crisis situations and so should be properly prepared, Vanags said. Though founded in Latvia, the aim is to develop links in likeminded northern or nordic countries, he suggested, including in academia and business.
