The overall goal of the DPPI SEE is to foster regional co-operation across the region in disaster preparedness and prevention. It addresses both natural and man-made disasters and seeks to operate without creating new structures or layers of bureaucracy.
 
The principle objectives of the Initiative are to contribute to the institutional capacity building of disaster management organisations to enhance disaster prevention and preparedness in the countries of the SEE region by: 

• Serving as a regional network and facilitator in disaster preparedness and prevention of natural and man-made disasters in the SEE region;
• Enhance cooperation among the DPPI SEE member countries in view of the EU enlargement and theprocess of Euro-Atlantic integration;  
• Strengthen good neighbourly relations and stability through the exchange of information and identifying and sharing lessons learnt and best practices in the field of disaster management;
• Supporting countries in the SEE region in their efforts to further develop disaster preparedness and prevention through common approach and cooperation with all relevant international organisations and bodies, especially the EU Civil Protection Mechanism;

Strengthening and enhancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation, facilitating exchange of information in the field of disaster preparedness and prevention at all levels among competent national disaster management authorities and other relevant institutions in the SEE region, in accordance with the national regulations regarding the exchange of information.

In 2021 the implementation of the DPPI SEE Strategic Development Plan 2021-2025 has started. The plan was produced trough a process of wide consultations with the member states during 2019/2020. It was important for the member states, after 20 years of existence of DPPI SEE to agree on the way forward having in mind all the changes that happened in the region since the inception phase. SDP 2021-2025 builds on the existing activities like the continuation of the Training program and adds two additional priorities Project Management and Analytics & Research. Each priority area is enhanced with specific targets and indicators which is allowing easy monitoring of implementation. Implementation of the SDP 2021-2025 is regularly discussed during the Regional meetings and serves as a basis for the Annual Work Plans as well.