Availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information

Regions and countries across the world have made significant progress in strengthening multi-hazard, end-to-end early warning systems. Progress has been particularly evident in the development of observation and monitoring systems and the strengthening of information and communication technology and information on risks, as part of the overall efforts to strengthen disaster resilience. Moreover, the advances in climate modeling and weather prediction have made weather forecasting more accurate.

Yet, many developing countries still have not benefited as much as they could have from this progress in early warning. Significant gaps remain, especially in the ‘last mile’ of the early warning dissemination. A key challenge has been in reaching the most remote and vulnerable population with timely, meaningful, and actionable warnings. To be effective, early warning systems need to be grounded in the experiences of people most at risk, therefore the inclusion of women, youth, and other vulnerable groups is essential in all aspects of decision making and design.

Recognizing this challenge, Target (g) of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 seeks to ‘substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments to people by 2030’.
The special session will aim to guide investments by countries and international organizations for effective, impact-based, people-centered, multi-hazard early warning systems and present a method for reviewing progress in countries’ efforts to implement early warning systems. The session will offer an opportunity to learn from, exchange information on and promote the replication of good practices in early warning systems.

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Availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information