Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković – Disaster Risk Management; Faculty of Security Studies University of Belgrade; Technical University of Leoben in Austria; Scientific-Professional Society for DRM; International Institute for Disaster Research; ProSafeNet; International Journal of Disaster Risk Management.

Rethinking Disaster Resilience: Conceptual Framework, Core Dimensions, and Key Actors Authors Dalibor MilenkovićScientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia Vladimir M. CvetkovićThe University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria.http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3450-0658 Keywords: disaster resilience, resilience concept, resilience dimensions, social resilience, resilience actors, risk management Abstract This article explores the conceptual and theoretical foundations of disaster resilience to understand its full complexity and multidisciplinary nature. The first section traces definitions from their etymological origins and early scholarly interpretations to modern perspectives that view resilience as a dynamic mechanism for overcoming risk and crisis. It highlights the concept’s adaptability and transformability, as well as the role of learning in establishing stability—i.e., resilience. The second section organizes the conceptual framework of disaster resilience and its multiple dimensions. Resilience is seen as a combination of physical, social, institutional, and economic aspects, with particular focus on social cohesion and a culture of safety. The analysis emphasizes resilience as fundamental to sustainable development and societal strength. The third section examines different resilience dimensions, noting that there is no universal set; they vary by context and methodology. It considers biophysical, social, institutional, and local aspects, as well as the importance of prevention, education, infrastructure standards, and international cooperation in enhancing resilience. The fourth section discusses the leading actors in resilience—individuals, communities, and institutions—focusing on psychological skills at the individual level, social capital and solidarity at the community level, and the importance of institutional coordination and global initiatives that foster a culture of resilience. The discussion links these findings to existing research and points out the absence of universal indicators and standardized methods for measuring resilience. In conclusion, the article asserts that disaster resilience is an evolving process involving multiple dimensions and active participation from […]

Digital Platform for Ecological Education of Students – Advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the European Green Deal: The Case of ProSafeNet (Global Hub) Authors Aleksandra Gajović Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia Omladinskih brigada 1, 11070, Belgrade, Serbia Vladimir M. Cvetković The University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria.http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3450-0658 Renate Renner Safety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Technical University of Leoben, Austria Srđan Milašinović University of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dušana 196, Belgrade, Serbia Keywords: ecological education, sustainable development, digital platform, informal learning, ProSafeNet, student engagement, knowledge sharing, green innovation, policy integration, collaboration Abstract Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal (EGD) requires more efficient pathways that connect learning directly to real-world actions. This review introduces and explores a student-centered digital platform for ecological education that encourages knowledge sharing, collaboration, and practical implementation. Using a mixed-methods approach, we gather insights from existing literature and policies on SDGs and EGD to define core functional and governance requirements, which are then integrated into the ProSafeNet platform (the global hub for safety, security, risk, and emergency professionals and scientists). Its architecture brings together curated environmental issues across global, national, and causal layers; structured learning modules aligned with SDG/EGD guidelines; an embedded legal framework at various levels; and networking channels that guide students from identifying problems to developing solutions, culminating in standardized Project Solution Models. In the case study of ProSafeNet, these pathways leverage existing modules such as the Knowledge Base, Training Hub, Events/Forum, Projects, Research Hub, Community Resilience Hub, Policy Practice Lab, and Innovation Lab—allowing immediate testing without additional infrastructure. An evaluation framework is proposed, featuring key performance indicators […]

Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction: Overcoming Barriers to Build Stronger Communities Authors Vladimir M. CvetkovićThe University of Belgrade, Faculty of Security Studies, Gospodara Vučića 50, Belgrade, Serbia. Technical University of Leoben, Austria.http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3450-0658 Bojana AleksovaDepartment of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia Renate RennerSafety and Disaster Studies, Chair of Thermal Processing Technology, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Technical University of Leoben, Austria Jasmina GačićDepartment of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vucica 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia Aleksandar IvanovUniversity of St. „Kliment Ohridski“ ‒ Faculty of Security Studies – Skopje Srđan MilašinovićUniversity of Criminal Investigation and Police Studies, Cara Dušana 196, Belgrade Keywords: disaster, CBDRR, community resilience, preparedness, capacity building, institutional support, participatory approach Abstract Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) plays a vital role in strengthening local communities’ resilience against natural hazards and man-made disasters. This paper aims to examine the role of CBDRR in enhancing the resilience of local communities to both natural hazards and man-made disasters. It emphasises the crucial importance of active community involvement throughout all stages of disaster management, from preparedness and mitigation to response and recovery. Furthermore, the paper also looks into the key factors that contribute to the successful implementation of CBDRR, including institutional support, capacity development, inclusive strategies, and modern technologies. Additionally, it discusses the challenges and opportunities in building strong partnerships between local communities and external stakeholders, which are essential for ensuring the sustainability of these efforts. Finally, the paper offers recommendations to improve the effectiveness of CBDRR initiatives, drawing on insights gained from past disaster experiences. The findings highlight the necessity of continuous monitoring and evaluation of CBDRR programmes to maintain their relevance and effectiveness as risks evolve. Incorporating lessons learned […]

Today, in Austria, at the Technical University of Leoben (Montanuniversität Leoben), during the ceremonial Academic Ceremony (Akademische Feier) held in the Erzherzog Johann Auditorium, I was promoted to the position of the first Adjunct Professor in the history of this university, for a period of five years (Leoben, 19 December 2025). I would like to express my special gratitude to the Rector, Univ.-Prof. Peter Moser, and the university leadership for the trust placed in me. I also extend my sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Harald Raupenstrauch for his support and confidence, as well as to Dr. Renata Renner for the excellent cooperation and continuous support in the development of our joint activities. I perceive this appointment as a great honor and responsibility, as well as a strong incentive to further strengthen teaching, research, and project-based cooperation—particularly within the Master’s programme in Safety and Disaster Management, and in the fields of security, risk and disaster management, system resilience, and critical infrastructure protection. I look forward to new joint initiatives, projects, and tangible results in the period ahead. Heute wurde ich in Österreich an der Technischen Universität Leoben (Montanuniversität Leoben) im Rahmen der feierlichen Academic Ceremony (Akademische Feier) im Erzherzog Johann Auditorium zum ersten Adjunct Professor in der Geschichte dieser Universität für eine Dauer von fünf Jahren ernannt (Leoben, 19. Dezember 2025). Mein besonderer Dank gilt zunächst dem Rektor Univ.-Prof. Peter Moser sowie der Universitätsleitung für das entgegengebrachte Vertrauen. Ebenso danke ich herzlich Prof. Dr. Harald Raupenstrauch für seine Unterstützung und sein Vertrauen sowie Dr. Renata Renner für die hervorragende Zusammenarbeit und die kontinuierliche Unterstützung bei der Entwicklung gemeinsamer akademischer und projektbezogener Aktivitäten. Diese Ernennung verstehe ich als große Ehre und Verantwortung, aber auch als starke Motivation, die Lehre, Forschung und Projektzusammenarbeit weiter zu intensivieren – insbesondere im Rahmen des Masterstudiengangs Safety […]

The ProSafeNet Training Hub is coming soon – a new digital environment designed to help professionals, students and institutions build real, practical skills for the challenges of safety, security, risk and emergency management. Inside the Training Hub, users will be able to learn through structured online courses, join live trainings and webinars led by experts, and experience scenario-based exercises that simulate real-world incidents and decision-making. The platform will also offer specialized train-the-trainer programs, enabling future instructors to develop their own high-quality training modules. All educational content will be supported by a rich resource library containing presentations, guides, checklists, manuals and video materials. Every completed activity will be recorded through a certification and progress-tracking system that allows users to document their professional development and share verified achievements. From introductory modules to advanced professional programs, the Training Hub will set a new standard for accessible, effective and internationally relevant training. Explore the new ProSafeNet Training Hub soon. www.prosafenet.com media@prosafenet.com

Signing of Memorandum of Strategic Cooperation between ProSafeNet and the Faculty of Security – Skopje, “St. Kliment Ohridski” University – Bitola We are pleased to announce that an official Memorandum of Strategic, Professional, and Academic Cooperation has been signed between the international platform ProSafeNet (https://prosafenet.com) and the Faculty of Security in Skopje, “St. Kliment Ohridski” University – Bitola (https://fb.uklo.edu.mk/). The agreement was formally signed by: Prof. Dr. Jonče Ivanovski Dean of the Faculty of Security – Skopje Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković Director of ProSafeNet and President of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management This agreement marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional and international cooperation in the fields of safety, security, risk management, crisis response, and resilience building. It establishes a long-term partnership aimed at enhancing academic programs, exchanging knowledge and best practices, engaging students and faculty in international initiatives, and jointly developing innovative educational and professional activities. Through this agreement, the Faculty of Security has been granted permanent Premium access to the ProSafeNet platform, enabling the full use of advanced digital tools, institutional profiling, publishing academic and professional events, working with students and alumni, accessing analytical insights, and receiving continuous technical and content support. ProSafeNet extends sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Faculty of Security for their trust, forward-thinking vision, and commitment to advancing modern academic and professional standards in the field of security. This partnership sets the foundation for developing a regional center of excellence, strengthening capacities for education and practice, and fostering international cooperation in critical areas of contemporary security and risk governance. We are confident that this cooperation will contribute to building a modern professional ecosystem in which science, practice, innovation, and social responsibility reinforce one another in the service of a safer and more resilient society. This agreement stands as an […]

Teaching the Course “Preventive Planning and Protective Measures in the Surroundings of Industrial Plants” as Adjunct Professor It was a great pleasure to work with one outstanding group of international master’s students within the course “Preventive Planning and Protective Measures in the Surroundings of Industrial Plants (580.337)” at the Technical University (Montanuniversität) of Leoben in Austria, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering – Safety & Disaster Management (SDM), where I serve as an Adjunct Professor. This master-level course provides an in-depth understanding of the entire spectrum of industrial and technological hazards that may arise within industrial facilities and their surrounding environments — including fires and explosions, toxic and corrosive releases, structural failures, domino effects, and natural hazard-triggered (NaTech) events such as earthquakes, floods, and extreme winds. The course begins by introducing students to the concept and classification of industrial disasters, covering technological, NaTech, and domino events. Students explore their causes — technical failures, design errors, human and organizational factors, and external natural triggers — and their consequences for people, infrastructure, and the environment, such as toxic releases, overpressure, fires, and cascading failures. Building on this foundation, students are trained in hazard identification and risk assessment, using qualitative and quantitative methods supported by geospatial tools and sensor data. They learn to design preventive and protective measures, including engineering barriers (containment, detection, pressure relief), management procedures (standard operating procedures, lockout–tagout), personal protection, and off-site solutions such as land-use planning, evacuation routes, public warning systems, and environmental monitoring. Further modules strengthen preparedness and response capacities through the development and testing of emergency and evacuation plans, simulation of command and coordination structures according to the Incident Command System (ICS), and practical exercises for multi-agency cooperation involving police, fire-rescue, and emergency medical services. Finally, the course addresses post-incident recovery, including rapid and long-term repair, […]

Current Challenges in Risk Communication during Climate-Related Crises As part of the COST Action CA23126 – AlertHub: Warning Communication Knowledge Network, under WG2 – Map Challenges of Implementing Effective Warning Communication, we are sharing preliminary findings of our systematic literature review. Key challenges identified include: – Institutional fragmentation and weak coordination among agencies and sectors. – Low risk awareness and limited public engagement, especially in vulnerable and rural communities. – Insufficient integration of scientific and traditional knowledge for locally adapted solutions. – Outdated technological infrastructure and poor system interoperability. – Communication bottlenecks: unclear messages, inaccessible channels, failure to convey uncertainty effectively. – Underutilization of community-based resources such as schools, pharmacies, and local organizations. – Political and financial constraints, including limited planning capacity and weak climate adaptation mandates. We are collecting grey literature (real-life cases, policies, evaluations, and governance tools from 2015 onward) to deepen this analysis and extract practical guidelines.

I am deeply honored to have been elected Adjunct Professor at Technical University of Leoben (Montanuniversität Leoben) (Austria) for a five-year term (2025–2030), following the decision of the University Senate on June 4, 2025, officially confirmed by the University on June 5, 2025. In line with this appointment, and based on the signed teaching contracts, I will be engaged in the international Master’s program in Safety and Disaster Management during the academic year 2025/26, with the following courses: Preventive Planning and Protective Measures in the Surroundings of Industrial Plants (Winter Semester 2025/26, face-to-face teaching) – fully responsible (100%) as lecturer. Vulnerability, Stress, Resilience (Winter Semester 2025/26, face-to-face teaching) – jointly taught (Cvetković 1/3, Forstner 1/3, Renner 1/3). I look forward to this academic journey and to further strengthening the link between research, teaching, and international collaboration in the domains of risk, safety, and resilience.

ProSafeNet is a global hub for practitioners, professionals, and scientists in the fields of safety, security, risk, and emergency management. Built by experts for experts, ProSafeNet empowers smarter decisions, faster responses, and stronger global collaboration. ProSafeNet serves as the global hub for safety, security, risk, and emergency (disaster) practitioners, professionals, and scientists – including police, firefighters, rescuers, medics, emergency responders, and military personnel—as well as security managers, civil protec-tion teams, volunteers, students, companies, and NGOs.

Историјски развој  полицијског образовања у србији Владимир М. Цветковић Срђан Милашиновић Ладин Гостимировић   Београд, 2017. године     САДРЖАЈ   Увод. 3 Историјски развој полицијског образовања до Другог светског рата 9 Историјски развој полицијског образовања после Другог светског рата. 20 3.1.  Средња школа унутрашњих послова. 20 3.2. Виша школа унутрашњих послова. 70 3.3.  Полицијска академија. 138 3.4.  Kриминалистичко-полицијска академија. 176 Закључак. 223 Литература. 244       Увод У временима настанка првих полиција кадар који је у ове организације приман био је бeз посебног претходног образовања и припреме. Наравно, то се све одражавало и на њихову ефикасност приликом рада. Учило се из искуства, од старијих колега и кроз саму праксу. Евентуално је извесно војно образовање представљало компаративну вредност. Са јасним одвајањем полиције од војске, те издвајањем и профилисањем полицијске функције, усложњавањем и диференцијацијом полицијских послова, све комплекснијим односима полиције са друштвеним окружењем стварају се услови за настанак полицијске професије у њеном пуном смислу и значењу. Дакле, током читавог XIX и почетком XX века полицијска служба се у Србији ослањала на учење кроз праксу, а посебно школовање полицијских кадрова било је спорадично и споро се развијало. Прво професионално образовање добили су припадници жандармерије, а о питању професионалне обуке полицијских кадрова озбиљније се приступило након Првог светског рата и стварања Краљевине Срба, Хрвата и Словенаца. Историјски посматрано, полиција као функција и организација је старија од полицијског школства[1]. При томе, један од најзначајних прописа о уређењу полиције који је састављен у форми данашњих прописа јесте ,,Начертаније устројства полицајне власти у Београду и по том прочим мјестима Отечества“ од 8. марта 1811. године.[2] У полицијској гласнику, у стручном делу који се односи на стогодишњицу београдске полиције је посебно истакнуто да је поред избора Јакова Ненадовића за ,,попечитеља Унутарњих Дела“, недељу дана након његовог избора, министарству је поднесен један елаборат од особитог значаја, али […]

Budite deo globalne zajednice vatrogasaca-spasilaca – povežite se, učite i delite ono što vas čini herojima! Predstavljamo ProSafeNet – međunarodnu platformu koja okuplja profesionalce sa prve linije odbrane i spašavanja širom sveta. – Delite iskustva sa terena – postavite fotografije i izveštaje sa intervencija, kako bi kolege učile iz stvarnih akcija. – Komunicirajte bez barijera – automatski prevod na sve jezike omogućava vam da razmenjujete znanja i taktike sa vatrogascima iz drugih zemalja. – Besplatni edukativni materijali – priručnici, vodiči i obuke koji vam pomažu da unapredite veštine i budete spremni za svaku situaciju. – Najnovije vesti i inovacije – pratite globalne trendove, tehnologije i akcije u oblasti vatrogastva i spasavanja. Zajednica koja razume – povežite se sa kolegama, podržite jedni druge i izgradite mrežu koja jača otpornost svih. Kada je u pitanju spašavanje života, nijedan vatrogasac ne bi trebalo da bude sam. ProSafeNet je tu da vas poveže, osnaži i inspiriše. https://prosafenet.com/  

Spatial–Temporal Trends of Cancer Among Women in Central Serbia, 1999–2021: Implications for Disaster and Public Health Preparedness by Emina Kričković 1,Vladimir M. Cvetković 2,3,4,*,Zoran Kričković 5 and Tin Lukić 6,7 1Faculty of Geography, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3/III, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 2Department of Disaster Management and Environmental Security, Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Gospodara Vučića 50, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia 3Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Dimitrija Tucovića 121, 11040 Belgrade, Serbia 4Safety and Disaster Studies, Department of Environmental and Energy Process Engineering, Technical University of Leoben, Franz Josef-Straße 18, 8700 Leoben, Austria 5Military Geographical Institute—“General Stevan Bošković”, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, Mije Kovačevića 5, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia 6Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia 7Ruđer Bošković School, Kneza Višeslava 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Healthcare 2025, 13(17), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13172169 (registering DOI) Submission received: 22 June 2025 / Revised: 18 August 2025 / Accepted: 26 August 2025 / Published: 30 August 2025 (This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Healthcare in Public Health Risk and Disaster Management: Strategies for Mitigation and Response) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes   Abstract Background/Objectives: Cancer is a major public health burden in Serbia and a factor influencing long-term disaster readiness by straining health system capacity. This study examined spatial and temporal trends in incidence and mortality for eight major cancers among women in Central Serbia (1999–2021) to inform targeted prevention and preparedness strategies. Methods: Standardised rates from national datasets were analysed using the Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen’s slope estimator. Geographic disparities were mapped in ArcGIS Pro 3.2. Mortality trends were assessed only for statistically reliable series. Results: Breast cancer incidence increased in six counties, while cervical cancer declined in several areas, likely reflecting screening success. Colorectal, bladder, […]