The International Code Council (ICC), a leading global source of model codes and standards and building safety solutions, has launched its 45th annual Building Safety Month campaign this month, underscoring its global commitment to safer and more sustainable construction.
The month-long initiative promotes the adoption and enforcement of up-to-date building codes and aims to improve public understanding of the various elements and professionals involved in creating safe and sustainable structures.
Under the theme "Game On!", the campaign encourages individuals, organisations, and communities to learn about and prioritise building safety. It seeks to encourage engagement at the local level in strengthening the built environment, particularly in rapidly growing regions such as the GCC countries.
The ICC stated that its ongoing investment in the GCC highlights the significance of consistent and enforceable building codes that adapt to technological advancements, climate challenges, and population growth.
As part of the campaign, the ICC will also observe the second annual International Building Safety Day (IBSD) on May 22, 2025. Established in 2024 with the support of 28 international organisations, IBSD emphasizes the crucial role of building safety in health, well-being, and economic stability. The day serves as an annual call for governments, policymakers, and industry professionals to prioritize safety in all communities.
As part of the campaign, ICC will also observe the second annual International Building Safety Day (IBSD) on May 22, 2025. Established in 2024 with support from 28 international organizations, IBSD highlights the profound impact building safety has on health, well-being and economic stability. The day serves as an annual call to action for governments, policymakers and industry professionals to prioritize safety in every community, it added.
Mohamed Amer, Managing Director of ICC MENA, stated, “ICC MENA’s mission has always been to strengthen the safety and integrity of buildings while supporting the region’s extraordinary pace of development. As cities across the GCC continue to grow vertically and technologically, the importance of compliance with unified, robust building codes becomes even more essential, not only to protect lives and property but to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.”
“Building safety is not a one-time action; it’s a continuous commitment that involves government leaders, private-sector innovators and community stakeholders. Through our advocacy and partnerships, we aim to create a culture of safety that lasts for generations.
“We are proud to be participating in multiple regional events across the full ecosystem of building safety, and we’re pleased to see growing momentum around both Building Safety Month and IBSD — a timely reminder of the shared responsibility and collective action needed to elevate safety standards across the built environment."
This year’s weekly themes are:
• Week Two (May 4–10): "Build Your Offence" — Strategies to actively support, advocate and implement building safety policies.
• Week Three (May 11–17): "Build Your Defence" — Tools and planning techniques to prepare for natural disasters and hazards.
• Week Four (May 18–24): "The Starting Lineup" — Spotlighting the professionals who uphold safety and inspiring careers in the building sciences.
• Week Five (May 25–31): "Going into Overtime" — A forward look at emerging trends, technologies and innovations shaping global safety resilience.
Further details about Building Safety Month can be obtained at www.buildingsafetymonth.org
