Qatar
Lekhwiya signs co-operation framework for 2026 search and rescue exercise
The Internal Security Force (Lekhwiya) and the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) of the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have signed a co-operation framework to host and organise the 2026 search and rescue exercise (USAR) in Qatar in October.
Signed in the presence of HE the Deputy Commander of Lekhwiya Major-General Mohammed Mesfer al-Shahwani, the co-operation framework was signed by Assistant Commander of Lekhwiya for Administration and Supply Brigadier Mubarak Sherida al-Kaabi and by INSARAG Global Chair ambassador Dominik Stillhart.
The co-operation framework aims to enhance the readiness and response capabilities of international search and rescue teams and improve co-ordination and operational efficiency through joint planning and execution of the exercise in accordance with INSARAG's internationally recognised methodology.
It includes the development of the exercise's objectives, scenarios, and evaluation mechanisms.
The selection of Qatar to host this global exercise comes as a confirmation of its leading role in humanitarian work, the efficiency of the internationally ranked Qatar International Search and Rescue Group, and its role as an active partner in the UN system to confront major challenges and crises.