Colombia: IOM and EU Launch Initiative to Strengthen Inclusive Disaster Preparedness in Latin America

Oct 13, 2025
International Organization for Migration
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Bogotá, Colombia, 13 October 2025 – As climate-related disasters intensify across Latin America, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union have launched Prepárate+, a new regional initiative that places inclusion at the center of disaster preparedness. The project aims to ensure that women, migrants, displaced people, and other marginalized groups are part of planning and decision-making to strengthen community resilience in Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. 

“The evidence is clear: when women and migrants are part of disaster preparedness, communities are stronger and more resilient,” said Maria Moita, IOM’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “This is not just about fairness but about effectiveness. With support from the European Union and in close collaboration with governments, Prepárate+ gives the region a chance to move from a reactive approach to a truly inclusive model that ensures every voice counts and every life is protected.” 

Despite progress in disaster risk management across the region, many communities remain vulnerable to crises due to persistent gaps in preparedness, according to recent IOM studies. Many households are still unaware of official emergency plans and public trust in institutions remains limited.