International Affairs Division

FEMA’s International Affairs Division (IAD) defines and manages international partnerships to enhance the Agency’s disaster readiness; strengthen regional, hemispheric, and global emergency management capabilities; and, support U.S. Government homeland security priorities.

Functions

  • Promote International Cooperation and Coordination: Establish and maintain partnerships with capable international responders and implement arrangements for cross-border mutual assistance to build a more resilient Nation.
  • Coordinate U.S. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Resilience and Civil Emergency Planning: Shape and implement U.S. Government’s NATO resilience and civil emergency preparedness policies and priorities consistent with Executive Order 12656 as the Attaché to the U.S. Mission to NATO and synchronize all U.S. Government NATO resilience and civil emergency planning activities.
  • Enhance Disaster Readiness and Response: Manage the International Assistance System and the International Resources Coordination Group during Level I activations through the identification of international resources available to meet validated resource gaps.  Lead the interagency decision-making process for international offers of assistance and facilitate subject matter experts’ reciprocal participation in domestic and international national level exercises.
  • Coordinate FEMA’s International Engagements: Facilitate and staff international engagements to advance FEMA and U.S. Government policy priorities with strategic international partners.  Support international partnerships led by the Departments of Homeland Security, Defense and/or State to support a more resilient Nation.

Goals

  1. Enhance the Nation’s emergency management capability and capacity through reciprocal international cooperation.
  2. Support a more resilient Nation by advancing homeland security objectives through international engagement.
  3. Provide specialized disaster response expertise to resolve international issues.
  4. Design and execute an effective COVID-19 response.

International Engagements and Announcements

In 2023, the United States is hosting Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and celebrating the 30th anniversary of the first U.S.-led APEC meetings. FEMA represents the United States in the APEC Emergency Preparedness Working Group (EPWG).

International Assistance System Concept of Operations (IAS CONOPS)

The U.S. government is mostly positioned to meet disaster response requirements domestically, but under extraordinary circumstances, may accept or request international offers of assistance to augment resource gaps. The IAS CONOPS outlines how governments can make offers of assistance to the U.S. In almost all situations, cash donations to reputable non-profits are the best way for foreign governments to assist disaster survivors.

View IAS CONOPS

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Contact

For any inquiries or concerns please contact:
FEMA-International@fema.dhs.gov

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