Disasters don’t respect borders. Whether it's wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, modern crises often impact more than one country at a time. They send ripple effects across the globe. Disasters can disrupt trade, pollute neighboring regions, and cause mass migration. Today, no single country can handle these large-scale emergencies alone. That's where disaster diplomacy steps in.

Disaster diplomacy refers to building relationships between countries to share resources, knowledge, and support during times of crisis. Experts Lamar González Medlock and Lee Howell, speaking on a recent podcast, stressed that international cooperation is crucial for managing disasters effectively. With strong global alliances, countries are better prepared and can respond swiftly when disaster strikes.

The Global Impact of Disasters

Modern disasters don’t just hit one region—they have global consequences. A wildfire in one country can send smoke across oceans, affecting air quality thousands of miles away. A hurricane that ravages a small island can interrupt trade routes, leading to shortages and economic instability far from the epicenter.

The 2020 wildfires in Australia are a good example. The fires not only damaged Australian communities but also sent smoke across the Pacific Ocean, affecting air quality as far away as South America. The fires also disrupted global supply chains, contributing to financial losses worldwide. This interconnectedness means that countries must prepare for disasters together, not in isolation. Effective disaster management requires robust international relationships and shared strategies—key components of disaster diplomacy.

Understanding Disaster Diplomacy: Building Relationships Before Crises

Disaster diplomacy is not just about responding to a crisis after it occurs—it's about forming partnerships long before disaster strikes. As González Medlock pointed out in the podcast, "Having prepositioned relationships means less disaster response time taken up in determining your relationship." If countries have already established connections with international counterparts, they can mobilize faster and more effectively when disaster hits.

This is where pre-existing diplomatic frameworks play a crucial role. Without prior relationships, countries waste valuable time figuring out who to contact or how to coordinate relief efforts. Disaster diplomacy ensures that countries have the right channels in place to act immediately, minimizing delays and maximizing the effectiveness of response efforts.

The World Fire Congress: A Model for Global Cooperation

A prime example of disaster diplomacy in action is the World Fire Congress, held in Washington, D.C., in May 2024. This groundbreaking event brought together fire service leaders from 55 nations to tackle shared challenges like wildfires and urban fires, exacerbated by climate change. Before this, there was no global body dedicated to fire services, unlike in fields such as healthcare or law enforcement.

The Congress' creation was a response to a glaring need for international collaboration in firefighting and prevention. As Howell mentioned, "Even in developed countries like the UK, we have a lot to learn from others." The Congress allowed fire experts from diverse countries to exchange ideas, resources, and strategies, forming a unified approach to fire management in an era of increasing climate threats.

The Congress wasn’t just a one-time event. It established working groups to keep momentum between meetings. These groups will produce tangible outcomes—such as webinars and position statements—before the next Congress in 2026, ensuring that international collaboration continues and grows.

Challenges in Sustaining Global Initiatives

While the World Fire Congress was a major success, organizing and maintaining such global cooperation efforts isn't without challenges. As González-Medlock highlighted in the podcast, the Congress was organized in just nine months—a whirlwind of "blood, sweat, and tears." This time pressure reflects a broader challenge in disaster diplomacy: pulling together diverse stakeholders in a short timeframe and sustaining long-term collaboration.

One of the biggest challenges is financial sustainability. Organizing large international events is costly, and many countries—particularly developing nations—rely on external sponsorship to participate. The World Bank played a role by sponsoring developing countries to attend the Congress. However, relying on such sponsorship is not always sustainable. As Howell pointed out, "We need to ensure that global cooperation continues, even when funding and political priorities shift."

Another challenge is the political will to maintain these efforts. Disaster diplomacy requires long-term commitment from governments, but political shifts can deprioritize international cooperation. Sustaining these initiatives means institutionalizing them, embedding disaster diplomacy within the strategic frameworks of governments and organizations worldwide.

Why Relationships Matter in Disaster Response

In a crisis, speed is crucial. Countries with strong pre-existing relationships can mobilize quickly, bypassing bureaucratic hurdles. As González-Medlock explained, formal requests for international aid, such as those made through the United Nations, are important, but personal connections often enable quicker action. "You can always send a request," she said, "but you can always give somebody a call."

Having these direct lines of communication, established through disaster diplomacy, ensures that countries can react faster and with more agility during emergencies. It’s more than just sending resources—it's also about building trust and maintaining open lines of communication long before disaster strikes.

The Role of Technology in Strengthening Cooperation

Technology plays a critical role in disaster diplomacy. In the past, international cooperation was limited by geography and the need for in-person meetings. Today, virtual tools like video conferences, webinars, and collaboration platforms enable countries to connect instantly, no matter where they are.

González-Medlock emphasized that while face-to-face meetings are still valuable, "technology has expanded the reach of disaster diplomacy." Even experts in remote regions can now join international discussions, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse exchange of ideas.

The podcast also highlights the role of webinars and online working groups in keeping international cooperation alive between major events. These digital tools ensure that professionals stay connected, share knowledge, and prepare for future crises, even across borders.

Moving Forward: Institutionalizing Disaster Diplomacy

For disaster diplomacy to be truly effective, it needs to be institutionalized. As González-Medlock explained, international cooperation should not be seen as an optional, one-time effort but as a permanent and integral part of global disaster management strategies. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector must align their disaster preparedness efforts with broader international strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Moreover, initiatives like the World Fire Congress must remain action-oriented. As Howell warned, these efforts cannot become "talking shops." Without concrete deliverables—such as policy changes or new global standards—disaster diplomacy risks losing momentum and relevance. It’s essential that platforms like the World Fire Congress continue to produce real, measurable outcomes that enhance global resilience.

How to Strengthen Borderless Diplomacy

To enhance global disaster diplomacy, countries and professionals can take several steps:

1. Build Relationships Early: Establish international connections before disaster strikes, so when crises hit, partnerships are already in place.
2. Leverage Technology: Use video conferencing, webinars, and collaboration platforms to stay connected and exchange knowledge across borders.
3. Join Global Networks: Participate in international initiatives like the World Fire Congress to exchange expertise and create unified approaches to common challenges.
4. Share Knowledge Freely: The more countries share their strategies and experiences, the better prepared the global community will be for the next disaster.
5. Support Government Collaboration: Advocate for governments to prioritize international partnerships in their disaster preparedness strategies.

The Future of Borderless Diplomacy

Disasters are borderless, and our response must be as well. As the frequency and severity of global disasters increase, international cooperation through disaster diplomacy will become even more essential. Platforms like the World Fire Congress provide a blueprint for how countries can work together to tackle shared challenges.

Now is the time to take action. Reach out to your international counterparts, join global initiatives, and advocate for stronger partnerships. The future of disaster response depends on our ability to cooperate across borders—because in the face of disaster, no nation stands alone.