The Virtual Civil Defence Shelter Simulator is an innovative cooperation project between the Kymenlaakso and South Karelia regions, aimed at improving and strengthening safety expertise, developing new technology, and utilizing digitalization to enhance the safety of citizens and organizations. The project also aims to support sustainable growth, enhance adaptability to change, increase participation and well-being, and promote regional competitiveness. The simulator provides safety exercises and learning opportunities for using shelters in a changing operating environment. The project includes the development of the simulator, design of training programs, and collaboration among various organizations. Results and impacts will be communicated through different communication channels and utilized for sharing best practices and promoting international cooperation in the future. The project consists of four work packages: WP1 Technology Research, WP2 Content Scripting, Materials, and Pedagogy, WP3 Technical Development, and WP4 User Testing. WP1: Assessing the suitability of different options for the development foundation. Southeastern Finland University of Applied Sciences has experience in implementing various VR environments, and the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK) has content expertise. The survey aims to identify the most suitable technologies for the project. WP2: Creating a gamified script for the simulator, incorporating existing training materials from SPEK into a completely new learning environment in the VR world. WP3: Application design, gamification and pedagogical planning for learning in the VR environment. WP4: Testing and piloting the application with different user groups and collecting feedback. Target groups include safety professionals and personnel from city organizations, as well as citizens. Testing will be conducted in both regions. Documenting the user experiences for guidance. Together with stakeholders, training material utilizing the simulator is planned and developed. The project is implemented by the South-Eastern University of Applied Sciences, the Finnish National Rescue Association, the Kymenlaakso Rescue Department, and the cities of Kouvola and Lappeenranta.