Reflections from Day 1 at GP2025: Early Warnings for All
Today marked the opening of the Global Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Multi-Stakeholder Forum at GP2025 in Geneva. This initiative, co-led by the UNDRR and WMO, aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere is protected by early warning systems by 2027.
Key takeaways:
Early Warning Systems (EWS) as Investments: EWS are not just tools but essential investments in proactive action, protection of essential services, and smart economic planning.
Inclusivity in EWS Design: Emphasis on co-creating systems with communities, ensuring that people are active participants, not passive recipients.
Challenges in Fragile Contexts: Discussions highlighted the complexities of implementing EWS in areas with fragmented governance, like Yemen and Iraq, and the potential risks of bypassing national institutions.
Data and Financing: The need for harmonized data and innovative financing mechanisms was underscored, with examples from countries like Fiji and the Philippines.
Notably, there was limited discussion on:
Political and Conflict Risks: Despite their significant impact on disaster risk, these areas received minimal attention.
Health as a Risk Factor: Health-related risks were not prominently featured in the discussions.
These omissions raise questions about the comprehensiveness of current DRR strategies.
As we continue with the forum, I'm keen to explore how we can address these gaps and ensure a holistic approach to disaster risk reduction.
