EW4All Initiative: Progress and Way Forward

Early warning systems are a proven, effective and feasible disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development measure that save lives, reduce poverty and economic losses from disasters. Yet, according to UNDRR and WMO report on the Global Status of early warning systems published in 2022, half of the countries globally are not protected by multi-hazard early warning systems. To address these gaps and challenges, the UN Secretary-General launched the Early Warnings for All initiative (EW4All) in 2022 with the ambitious aim to create a world where every person, everywhere in the world has access to a life-saving early warning system by 2027. The initiative is co-lead by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The Initiative is also supported by “pillar leads” leading the work on the four early warning system pillars: 

• Disaster risk knowledge [UNDRR], 
• Observation and forecasting [WMO], 
• Dissemination and communication [ITU] and 
• Preparedness and response [IFRC].

This special event within APMCDRR aims at reflecting on the advancements and way forward of the roll-out of the EW4all Initiative in Asia Pacific. It aims at facilitating dialogue and reflection among representatives from Governments and Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs) on current initiatives on early warning, early action and explore avenues for the way forward to achieve the objectives of the EW4All Initiative. 

The special event will also facilitate visibility and awareness on the EW4all national roadmaps and provide a space of dialogue on the most suitable approaches for its implementation, including needs in financing and technical expertise. An important point of discussion will also be the current practices and initiatives to ensure inclusive early warning, early action and how to strengthen those important aspects in light of the EW4All Initiative.