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GEM Foundation's recent Governing Board meeting, held in Pavia, Italy, from November 30 to December 1st, 2023 highlighted key agendas for 2024. The meeting showcased significant updates, including comprehensive Secretariat and partner reports. Notably, the foundation welcomed a new sponsor, Gallagher Re, and celebrated Zurich's return, alongside Geoscience Australia and SERI-Switzerland's renewals, demonstrating continued support. PartnerRe also upgraded its sponsorship from Advisor to Private Governor, emphasising commitment to GEM's mission.

During breaks, GEM Governing Board members and staff were given a tour of EUCENTRE's shake tables. Led by Rui Pinho, former GEM Secretary General and current Vice President of EUCENTRE, the tour showcased the purpose-built shake tables designed for simulating earthquakes and their effects on structures, underlining EUCENTRE's commitment to developing and testing innovative solutions aimed at enhancing community and structural resilience against seismic events.

Crucial priorities for 2024 were outlined, emphasising GEM’s ongoing initiatives, such as harmonised global earthquake hazard analysis, event response services for humanitarian agencies, time-dependent hazard models, global exposure to liquefaction, enhanced training workshops, advancements in the OpenQuake engine, updated vulnerability frameworks, and comprehensive exposure and risk mapping, also including the environmental impact of earthquakes.

GEM extends its gratitude to everyone who participated in the Governing Board meeting, acknowledging their dedication and enthusiasm, which contributed to its success.