Congratulations to the Ecuadorian Urban Search And Rescue Team (ECU-01) for successfully passing the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) in Quito, Ecuador, from 27 April to 1 May 2026! This recognition affirms the exceptional skill and commitment to international search and rescue of the team. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.
Congratulations to the Algerian Urban Search And Rescue Team (ALG-01) for successfully passing the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) in Algiers, Algeria, between 13–17 April 2026! This recognition affirms the exceptional skill and commitment to international search and rescue of the team. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.
The Fourth INSARAG Global Meeting was held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, from 4 to 10 July 2026 and brought together 368 participants from 41 countries and 18 organizations.
The event included the INSARAG Working Group Meetings (4-5 July), which allowed Working Groups to advance on their workplans; the Team Leaders Meeting (6-7 July), which discussed – amongst other themes – the new guidelines and ICMS 3.0; the three Regional Group Meetings (7-8 July), which identified regional priorities and implementation actions for the INSARAG Strategy 2026-2030; and the Fourth INSARAG Global Meeting (9-10 July), which marked the launch of the INSARAG Guidelines (2026) and the adoption of the Foz do Iguaçu Declaration.
The Foz do Iguaçu Declaration (attached) is a significant milestone that will guide the future direction of the INSARAG network. The Declaration endorses the INSARAG Strategy 2026-2030, calls for strengthened local and national response capacities, reaffirms commitment to General Assembly resolution 57/150, promotes innovation, partnerships, and flexibility in disaster response, and broadens INSARAG’s focus to a wider range of hazards and disaster contexts.
Foz do Iguaçu 2026 Declaration
The INSARAG Americas Regional Earthquake Response Exercise (ERE) is taking place in El Salvador from December 7 to December 10 of 2026.
The main objective of this face-to-face exercise is to practice and strengthen the emergency preparedness and response coordination between national and international actors in support of a disaster-affected country as well as to maintain high quality response capability in an unforeseen condition.
This calendar provides an overview of events scheduled throughout the year and is updated regularly. For additional details, please contact the focal points listed below.
To announce an event to the Secretariat, kindly use the designated:
From 23 to 27 March 2026, the National Fire Agency (NFA) of the Republic of Korea, in collaboration with the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), hosted the Urban Search and Rescue Coordination Cell (UCC) Course in Busan, Republic of Korea.
The course brought together 22 participants from eight international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams, engaged in practical exercises and knowledge exchange, contributing to a more cohesive and capable global USAR network. The training reinforced regional cooperation and advanced a shared commitment to effective, coordinated disaster response. Delivered under the guidance of expert instructors from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), the training focused on strengthening coordination capacities in line with INSARAG methodology, promoting interoperability, and enhancing readiness for complex emergency operations.
The successful completion of the course by all participants reflects the continued dedication of USAR teams to uphold INSARAG standards and further improve collective response capabilities. This training course underscores the importance of international collaboration in ensuring timely, efficient, and life-saving assistance in disaster-affected areas.
Appreciation is extended to the NFA and the KDRT for hosting the course, and to the expert instructors from Australia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea for their invaluable contributions.
The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) held its annual Steering Group meeting on 10 March 2026 in Geneva with 256 participants in person and online. The group reviewed regional and thematic progress and endorsed important topics, such as the 2026 INSARAG Guidelines, and the INSARAG Strategy for 2026-2030.
Congratulations to the Hong Kong China Search and Rescue Team (HKGSART, CHN-03) for successfully passing the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) in Hong Kong, China, between 16–20 March 2026! CHN-03 is the 61st INSARAG-classified team globally and the 3rd classified team from China. This recognition affirms the exceptional skill and commitment to international search and rescue of the team. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.
Congratulations to the United Arab Emirates (UAE USAR TEAM) (UAE-01) Team for successfully passing the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, between 07-13 February 2026! This recognition affirms the exceptional skill and commitment to International Search and Rescue of the team. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.
Congratulations to the 7th French Battalion For Civil Protection (FRA-03) Team for successfully passing the INSARAG External Reclassification (IER) in France, between 26-30 January 2026! This recognition affirms the exceptional skill and commitment to International Search and Rescue of the team. The INSARAG Secretariat extends its most sincere congratulations.
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