Today, the Fire University welcomed participants of the first UCPM Exchange of Young Firefighters, an international exchange programme organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) in cooperation with the Fire University.
The programme brings together 18 young firefighters and emergency service representatives from 18 countries: Poland, Germany, Iceland, Greece, Serbia, Latvia, Malta, Czechia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Sweden, the Netherlands, Romania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, France, Hungary and Spain.
The opening workshops on behalf of the Fire University was led by COL Wiktor Gawroński, PhD Fire Eng., Vice-Rector for Education and Students. DG ECHO was represented by Jo-Anna Van Vlaenderen and Claire Kowalewski, who officially welcomed the participants together with representatives of the Fire University.
The first day includes the official opening session, team-building activities and the introduction of participants. Throughout the week, the programme will feature workshops on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), international deployment simulations, technical workshops led by Fire University students, sessions on youth engagement in strengthening societal preparedness, sports competitions and numerous opportunities for networking and exchanging professional experience.
The initiative provides a unique platform for young firefighters to learn from one another, gain insight into different civil protection systems and build lasting international partnerships that will strengthen future cooperation across Europe.
The event is held under the Honorary Patronage of the Minister of the Interior and Administration of the Republic of Poland and the Honorary Patronage of the Commander-in-Chief of the Polish State Fire Service, Chief Superintendent Wojciech Kruczek, highlighting its importance for strengthening international cooperation in civil protection and emergency response.
We wish all participants a productive and inspiring week in Poland!
