Dr. Mohammed Bendali

My name is Mohammed Bendali, born on September 19, 1965, in Morocco. I am married and a father of three children. From a young age, I was drawn to the fields of science and health, leading me to pursue studies in pharmacy at Mohammed V University in Rabat. I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1991, marking the beginning of a career dedicated to public health and disaster management.

My academic journey is rich and varied. In 1992, I obtained a certificate in toxicology and pharmacology from the National Poison Control Center and the National Hygiene Institute. Later, in 2007-2008, I enhanced my skills with a degree in social development, achieved in partnership with Mohammed V University and the Ministry of Social Development of Morocco. My constant desire for improvement led me to earn a master’s degree in organizational development from the ESQM Institute in 2020.

I am proficient in several languages, including Arabic and Berber, my native tongues, as well as French and English, which I speak and write fluently.

On the professional front, I began my career as the senior pharmacist at BOUARFA Pharmacy in Morocco, where I have been working since 1991. My commitment to the community drove me to get involved in disaster management, becoming the head of the department for Youth Volunteers and Disaster Management at the Moroccan Red Crescent Society (MRCS) since 2008. In this role, I coordinate disaster intervention operations and train volunteers in emergency preparedness and response.

My expertise has allowed me to collaborate with various international organizations, including the United Nations, IFRC, and other NGOs, as a consultant in disaster risk reduction. I also served as a trainer for the IFRC in the MENA region from 2009 to 2019 and as a member of UNDAC, where I gained valuable experience in OSOCC training.

In addition to my role in disaster management, I have significant experience in quality management auditing, assisting in ISO certifications across various domains such as food safety, environment, occupational health and safety, and risk management.

My career has led me to work in numerous countries, including Tunisia, Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Libya, Lebanon, Iran, Malaysia, France, Germany, Algeria, Kuwait, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Japan, Colombia, and Mexico. These international experiences have enriched my perspective and strengthened my commitment to helping communities better prepare for and respond to crises.

I also had the honor of chairing the Disaster and Crisis Management Advisory Body (DCMAB) of the IFRC in Geneva from 2010 to 2013, where I contributed to shaping crisis management policies and practices on an international level.

My commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing has also led me to teach at medical institutes and Moroccan universities, where I deliver courses on sociology, psychology, mediation, negotiation, and social public policies.

In my extensive career, I have placed a strong emphasis on first aid skills and risk assessment. I have conducted numerous trainings and formations in disaster risk reduction, equipping individuals and organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively manage and respond to emergencies. As a national and international trainer in disaster preparedness and intervention with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, I have developed and delivered training programs on first aid, psychosocial support, Sphere standards, and contingency planning. These efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the capacity of communities and stakeholders to mitigate risks and respond efficiently to disasters. I also provide certifications to all instructors in Morocco, ensuring a high standard of competence and readiness across the board.

Additionally, I led the team that worked diligently to have the Moroccan Red Crescent recognized by the Global First Aid Reference Centre (GFARC), a significant achievement that underscores our commitment to excellence in first aid training and disaster preparedness.

Today, as an independent senior advisor, I continue to offer my expertise in disaster risk reduction, project management, and disaster management training, with the hope of contributing to a more resilient and better-prepared world in the face of future challenges.