The TOGETHER project, part of the European Commission's Horizon Europe research initiative, aims to enhance disaster risk management and governance through a holistic framework that integrates multi-level and cross-sectoral interactions.

It addresses challenges in coordination among stakeholders, governance frameworks, and communication barriers in disaster risk management. By leveraging advanced tools and interdisciplinary collaboration, TOGETHER seeks to improve disaster resilience across European regions.

The project focuses on enhancing synergy-building and citizen engagement by establishing a Stakeholder Partnership Forum to facilitate collaboration among policymakers, scientists, disaster managers, and local communities. It promotes polycentric risk governance through decentralized decision-making and Public-Private-Civil Partnerships, ensuring that disaster risk management strategies consider local community needs.

Additionally, TOGETHER aims to improve the integration of innovative solutions by developing an Interoperability Framework that allows for seamless data sharing across different social, physical, and cyber systems. The use of AI-driven Multi-Tool Systems enhances situational awareness by generating scientific insights to improve preparedness and response efforts. Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration is a key aspect of the project, which will be achieved through the implementation of a Disaster Risk Management and Governance framework designed to address gaps in decision-making and disaster response.

Figure 1: The TOGETHER project concept for enhanced multi-level and cross-sectoral coordination of disaster risk management and governance.

A central component of the project is the development of the TOGETHER Toolkit, a web-based platform that integrates various elements, including the Interoperability Framework, Multi-Tool System, and Disaster Risk Management and Governance framework (Figure 1). The toolkit will be co-created with stakeholders through a series of Living Labs and pilot demonstrations in Norway, Spain, and Greece, with further replication in Portugal and Turkey. The project’s participatory approach fosters collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, businesses, and local communities, ensuring that its solutions are user-led and people-centered.

Figure 2: TOGETHER Ambitions and advancements

The methodology employed by the TOGETHER project is rooted in participatory engagement. It involves mapping stakeholders and conducting workshops to identify needs and requirements while utilising AI-powered decision support tools to provide real-time insights. The development of structured data interoperability and ontology frameworks ensures the seamless integration of disaster-related data across various domains. Moreover, the project aligns its policy and governance initiatives with European and international regulations to enhance disaster preparedness and response strategies.

The expected outcomes of the TOGETHER project include improved disaster preparedness and response through enhanced coordination and efficient resource utilisation. The integration of AI-driven tools will facilitate advanced technological capabilities for early warning systems and decision-making. Additionally, the project aims to develop stronger policy frameworks to support disaster resilience, with scalable and sustainable solutions that can be adapted for broader European and global use. Ultimately, the TOGETHER project represents a significant step forward in disaster risk management by integrating interdisciplinary research, cutting-edge technology, and collaborative governance. Its holistic approach seeks to foster a resilient and adaptive society capable of effectively mitigating and responding to disaster risks, setting new benchmarks for disaster risk management across Europe and beyond.

NORSAR plays a critical role in the TOGETHER project as the project coordinator, overseeing its overall implementation and ensuring alignment with the European Commission's requirements.

NORSAR’s technical contributions to the project include leading the development of the Multi-Tool System (MTS), which integrates AI-driven tools for multi-hazard and multi-risk assessment, enhancing situational awareness for first responders and disaster management organizations. Additionally, NORSAR will play a crucial role in integrating forecasting and impact assessment tools to improve disaster preparedness and response capabilities.