The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is marking 20 years since the establishment of its organized Emergency Response Teams, highlighting two decades of rapid humanitarian action in response to disasters and complex emergencies worldwide.

Established in the mid-2000s, ADRA’s Emergency Response Teams were created to ensure faster, more coordinated assistance in the immediate aftermath of crises, including natural disasters, conflicts, and public health emergencies. The teams are trained to deploy quickly, assess needs on the ground, and coordinate life-saving support with local authorities and humanitarian partners.

Over the past two decades, the teams have been involved in responses to earthquakes, floods, armed conflict, and displacement crises across multiple regions. Their work has focused on emergency shelter, food assistance, water and sanitation, protection services, and early recovery support, often in highly complex and insecure environments.

“Preparedness is choosing to be ready to serve,” said João Martins, ADRA Europe director. “With disasters increasing across Europe, this commitment matters more than ever. As we look ahead, our priority is to strengthen ADRA teams and empower local churches to be disaster-ready.”

Martins said preparedness enables local and regional responders to act quickly and responsibly when crises occur. “Together, we can bring care, calm, and hope into the hardest moments,” he added.

According to leaders, the scale of ADRA’s emergency response work is reflected in two decades of training activity. Over that period, 54 Emergency Response Team trainings have been delivered, with 764 people trained. A total of 121 trainers from across ADRA and partner organisations have contributed to the programme, with trainings hosted in 34 countries and participation from 101 ADRA country offices.

Alongside this growth, ADRA has adapted its emergency response approach to the evolving humanitarian standards and operating environments. This has included stronger coordination practices, clearer professional standards, and greater attention to community feedback. Emergency Response Team training covers areas such as security management, humanitarian principles, safeguarding, and coordination with national and international partners.

The original article was published on the Trans-European Division news site.