National roll-outs of Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative begin
The ongoing roll-out the Early Warnings for All initiative on a national scale, underscores the importance of early warning systems to save lives before a disaster strikes.
“With the warming climate and a rise in weather-related hazards, this is a very important topic for many nations,” said Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT).“ BDT is committed to supporting the Early Warnings for All initiative. We are honoured to lend our experience and lead the pillar on Warning Dissemination & Communication.”
Cambodia
Cambodia’s EW4All national roll-out workshop was held on 4 October 2023, organized by the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM), in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and other UN agencies.
Participants reviewed the current state of early warning systems in Cambodia, discussed investment needs, and identified priority areas for advancing early warning systems in the country.
The main outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a national coordination mechanism for EW4All which leverages existing disaster management structures in Cambodia and fosters collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to drive the effective implementation of early warning systems nationwide.
Lao PDR
The Lao PDR EW4All national roll-out workshop was held on 21 September 2023, led by the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), co-organized with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
It launched the EW4All initiative in the country.
Participants discussed the framework for a multi-year, multi-stakeholder EW4All National Roadmap (2023-2027) for all actors to collaborate and achieve universal early warning coverage in Lao PDR. It also paved the way for increased technical and financial investment to achieve the goal of EW4All.
Nepal
The EW4All initiative was launched in Nepal at the EW4All national roll-out workshop held on 21 September 2023.
Seeking to build on current Multi-Hazard Early Warning System initiatives in Nepal, the event was an opportunity to introduce relevant government and non-government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector within the country to the EW4All initiative, and coordinate resources and support towards achieving the EW4All Action Plan by 2027.
ITU made a presentation on ITU’s work as the lead of EW4All Pillar 3, participated in a gap analysis breakout session and made recommendations for a country roadmap and way forward under the initiative.
Madagascar
As a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is highly vulnerable to the dangers posed by climate change.
From 14 – 15 September, Madagascar held a national workshop, organized by the National Disaster Management Office and Risk (BNGRC) and the Center for Meteorological Conditions (DGM), to launch the “Early Warnings for All” initiative. The main objective of the event was to review the existing Early Warning System and elaborate the roadmap for Early Warnings for All.
During the event, ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau presented their role in leading Pillar 3 of the initiative, on warning dissemination and communication.
The information gathered at the workshop will be a starting point to ensure that everyone in the country is covered by an Early Warning System by the end of 2027, in line with the “Early Warnings for All” initiative.
Maldives
A national consultation on the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in Maldives took place on 4 – 5 July 2023 to build on the existing regulation and operationalization of Early Warning Services in the Maldives and boost political momentum for and achievement of the EW4All Action Plan by 2027.
After identifying national gaps and needs, discussions focused on building on national priorities in the Maldives to develop a holistic, value chain approach to establishing a people-centered, multi-hazard impact-based early warning system, including through capacity development across the four pillars of EW4All and through different financing mechanisms that are in the pipeline.
Tajikistan
On 29 August 2023, the launch and National Consultative Workshop Early Warnings for All (EW4All) in Tajikistan was the first such event in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.
It was led by the Government of Tajikistan and co-organized by the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The two-day workshop helped identify a coordination mechanism, conduct a gap analysis, and develop a roadmap for joint actions.
As the lead of Pillar 3 – warning dissemination and communication – in the EW4All initiative, the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau lead the discussions around ways to ensure that last mile connectivity is available to reach every person at risk and ensure that messages are understandable and actionable.
This will help the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau support Tajikistan in conducting the stock-taking assessment and enhance its early warning systems by identifying the most appropriate channels to reach people at risk.
Ethiopia
The Early Warnings for All initiative was launched in Ethiopia on 30 August 2023.
The launch event took stock of the current state of early warning systems in Ethiopia and promoted a shared understanding of progress made in implementing the four pillars of EW4All, explored linkages and alignment with ongoing and upcoming initiatives, and consolidated key stakeholder commitments to strengthen early warning systems.
Barbados
The resounding assertion that “Early Warning Systems Are Not Seasonal” reverberated throughout the Barbados National EW4All Consultative Workshop, which took place on 1 – 2 November 2023.
Expanding on the groundwork set by the ‘Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) Gap Analysis Report, Roadmap, and Action Plan for Barbados in 2022’, this workshop allowed participants to pinpoint specific gaps in hazard-related aspects and devise strategic actions that could advance the achievement of the roadmap’s objectives. As the two-day workshop concluded, many crucial insights surfaced, guaranteeing Barbados’ readiness with a robust and efficient MHEWS. The topics discussed in the workshop included strengthened governance and institutional framework, enhanced focus on risk information, ensuring sustainable MHEWS, among others.
For instance, the workshop shone a spotlight on the fragmented manner in which many agencies collect data in isolation. It underscored the necessity for a more robust data platform that harmonizes all risk data concerning the island’s exposed hazards. Such integration guarantees that all relevant agencies and authorities have access to a unified information platform. This harmonization reduces the potential for conflicting information and streamlines the response to hazards, thus ultimately enhancing the safety of Barbados’ residents.
Somalia
On 15 – 16 November 2023, a national consultation on EW4All took place in Somalia.
The workshop provided valuable insights into the current state of readiness for implementing early warning systems across all four pillars and gap analysis exercise was successfully finalized. There was an interest in establishing a national stakeholder coordination mechanism, and there was a shared commitment among national stakeholders to continue discussions and make informed decisions collaboratively. National stakeholders supported drafting a common agenda for EW4All achievement in Somalia to be prepared over the next four to five months and covering the period 2024-2027.
Uganda
The theme of the workshop for the launch of the Early Warnings For All Initiative in Uganda, held between 15 – 17 November 2023, was “Breaking Silos; Enhancing Cooperations”.
During the workshop, the overall status of multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) in Uganda, as well as gaps, key stakeholders, and priorities for the future were identified, including on the development of a national roadmap for action.
Bangladesh
The National Consultation Workshop for EW4All for Bangladesh was held on 17 – 18 November 2023. The workshop outcomes included an initial pillar-wise gap analysis for each of the four pillars, and a set of draft key strategic actions. In addition, it was agreed that a roadmap would be developed in early 2024. The findings of the workshop were presented at COP28, where the Government of Bangladesh again reiterated their commitment to achieving the aims of the EW4All initiative over the next five years.
Mozambique
The national launch of the EW4All initiative was held on 20-22 December 2023, in Maputo, Mozambique. The national launch benefited from the participation of over 100 stakeholders, representing government, academia, civil society, development/humanitarian partners (UN/NGOs), donors, private sector, and the media.
The event led to the completion of the stakeholder mapping, gap analysis, prioritization of key needs, definition of coordination mechanism, and planning for the roadmap development. Follow up support will be provided to the national pillar leads in early 2024 to finalize the national roadmap.
South Sudan
The Early Warnings for All launch workshop for South Sudan, held from 20 – 22 November 2023, attracted broad participation.
The workshop identified country level gaps, such as the need for more efficient coordination between actors and for alignment of various initiatives. The meteorological and hydrological observation networks is sparse, hindering observation, monitoring and forecasting services. An in-country consortium with clearly defined roles and responsibilities is needed. The next step will be the development of the national roadmap.
Haiti
The Haiti national EW4All workshop was held on 29-30 November 2023 and convened key stakeholders, representatives from national institutions, and experts to facilitate comprehensive discussions on the existing needs and potential opportunities for fortifying Haiti’s early warning systems.
The collaborative efforts undertaken during the workshop led to the identification of critical gaps within the current early warning infrastructure. By shedding light on these gaps, the participants laid the groundwork for a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the overall effectiveness of early warning systems throughout the country. This constructive dialogue not only emphasized the importance of a united approach but also highlighted the collective commitment of diverse stakeholders towards creating a more robust and responsive framework for disaster preparedness and risk mitigation in Haiti.
Antigua & Barbuda
A two-day workshop to launch the EW4ALL initiative was held on 12 – 13 December, focusing on fortifying Antigua and Barbuda’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems. It laid the groundwork for a more proactive and effective response to potential threats, enhancing the nation’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Mauritius
The National Launch and Consultation Workshop on EW4All for Mauritius opened on 19 December 2023. The two-day workshop emphasized the crucial role of Early Warning Systems (EWS) in addressing climate change and disaster challenges, emphasizing the need for timely information as a lifeline for communities.
The government’s commitment to strengthening the EWS was highlighted, focusing on proactive measures such as investing in technology, infrastructure, and human resources. The global EW4All initiative and the National Multi-Hazard Emergency Alert System project were emphasized as essential frameworks for protection.
The vulnerability of the Republic of Mauritius to climate change impacts was acknowledged, with an emphasis on the controllable nature of on-the-ground impacts through proactive actions and decisions. The workshop underscored the importance of a comprehensive EWS to empower citizens with knowledge and tools for navigating climate change challenges.
Other launches
National roll-outs are ongoing, and more workshops will be held throughout 2024 and beyond.
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About Early Warnings
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to disseminating warnings and the diversity of communities at risk need to be addressed. Therefore, ITU advocates a multi-channel approach that means that alerts are sent over many different communication channels: radio, television, social media, sirens, mobile phones etc. ITU also highlights the need to leverage mobile networks and services to reach citizens at risk and promotes the implementation of mobile early warning systems.
