The world through globalization has become interconnected and economically interdependent. Disasters such as the Indonesian Tsunami, the Pakistan Earthquake, and recent events in the United States of America (USA) such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrate the need for an internationally accepted standardized response to disasters. Global public health issues like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), risk of pandemic influenza as well as acts of terrorism worldwide reinforce the importance of strengthening the international capabilities of disaster response. The American Medical Association (AMA), through the National Disaster Life Support Foundation (NDLSF) is providing leadership in this area by providing a standardized disaster preparedness education and training program that is targeting the wide scope of healthcare providers and disaster response personnel. The international community is being encouraged to collaborate with the NDLSF in establishing global standards for disaster education and training. In the quest to do the greatest good for the greatest number of potential survivors in any disaster, it is imperative that the global healthcare community be able to seamlessly integrate in joint responses. The ability to work together effectively is largely dependant upon our fundamental education and training in disaster preparedness. A review of these topics was presented at the 2006 Advanced Study Institute (ASI) Course: Strengthening National Public Health Preparedness and Response for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Agents Threats held in Skopje, Republic of Macedonia on 20 June 2006.