AmCham Kuwait Hosts “Session 1: Induction to Emergency Preparedness” in Collaboration with Regional and International Partners

The session brought together experts from IOM, including Tanja Dedovic, Regional Thematic Specialist on Labor Mobility, and Winnie Machaki, Regional Preparedness and Humanitarian Response Officer, to discuss the growing importance of emergency preparedness and the private sector’s role in crisis response.

Speakers emphasized that preparedness is a continuous process closely linked to business continuity planning, highlighting the need for businesses to act as active partners in coordination mechanisms rather than only donors. A key focus was the integration of migrant workers’ needs into crisis planning at all stages.

The discussion highlighted how crises can affect migrants around the world including workers across the GCC, noting that workers in both lower-wage and skilled roles may experience challenges such as employment interruptions, temporary income impacts, movement constraints, and reduced access to essential services. With over 281 million international migrants globally and more than 30 million in the GCC, inclusive preparedness was highlighted as a regional priority.

The session also introduced the Migrant in Countries in Crisis (MICIC) Guidelines, which provide practical tools for governments and businesses to enhance preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Key themes included safe communication, access to shelter, wage protection systems, ethical recruitment, and ensuring that all workers are included in emergency and evacuation planning without discrimination.

AmCham Kuwait reaffirmed that emergency preparedness is both a humanitarian responsibility and a business imperative that strengthens resilience and operational continuity.

The session marks the first in a series aimed at advancing regional dialogue on crisis preparedness and migrant worker protection across the private sector in Kuwait and the GCC.

About AmCham Kuwait: Founded in 1985, AmCham Kuwait is a non-profit organization composed of Fortune 500 corporations, SMEs, and prominent business leaders from both the United States and Kuwait. As a key advocate for American business interests in Kuwait, AmCham Kuwait works to strengthen the commercial and economic ties between the two nations. For more information, please visit www.amchamkuwait.org or follow us on social media @abck1985.