Learning from disasters through event analyses
This webinar - organized by the CDE Network on 16 September 2026 - conveyed a general understanding of the role that event analyses play in integrated risk management in Switzerland, how they are set up, and how the Swiss expertise can be used to support event analyses for DRR abroad, while aligning with UNDRR perspectives on using “After-Action Reviews” to enhance readiness for disaster recovery.
Event summary
The webinar “Learning from Disasters through Event Analyses”, held on 16 September 2026, provided an overview of how event analyses contribute to integrated risk management and disaster risk reduction (DRR), drawing on Swiss experience and international perspectives. Antoine Magnollay (FOEN) presented the role of event analyses in Switzerland as an important mechanism for institutional learning and for assessing the effectiveness of hazard knowledge, preparedness, warning systems and preventive measures. He highlighted how analyses of major events have contributed to concrete changes in Switzerland, including adjustments to legislation, funding priorities, warning systems and the development of a more integrated risk management approach.
Regina Gujan (SDC) outlined the process for leveraging Swiss expertise abroad, from an initial offer of collaboration and joint planning with national lead institutions, through the joint analysis and stakeholder engagement, to the development of recommendations and their integration into recovery and development planning. Key success factors include strong local ownership, appropriate expertise and data, good timing, partners' willingness to act on findings, and dedicated resources.
Christoph Lehmann illustrated this approach through event analyses in Pakistan and Armenia. The analyses documented how events unfolded, examined damage and its underlying causes, identified lessons and proposed DRR measures. Common findings included inadequate early warning, construction and development in flood-prone areas, high sediment transport, insufficient maintenance and weaknesses in infrastructure implementation. Recommendations focused on improved hydrometeorological data, early warning systems, capacity building, risk mapping, enforcement of existing regulations and maintenance of protective infrastructure.
Emilia Wahlström (UNDRR) complemented these perspectives by presenting After-Action Reviews (AARs) as a means of strengthening recovery readiness before disasters occur. AARs can provide evidence from actual recovery experiences and complement formal assessments by incorporating perspectives that may otherwise be overlooked. The webinar concluded that there is no one-size-fits-all approach: reviews should be adapted to their purpose and national context, while consistently focusing on evidence, participation, learning and continuous improvement. The ultimate objective is to translate lessons from past events into stronger DRR systems, better decisions and greater resilience before the next disaster.