TS6: Solutions for scaling and sustaining investments in multi-hazard early warning systems

Early Warning Systems (EWS) have proven to be essential for disaster risk reduction, addressing, minimizing and averting loss and damage. Yet, there are still significant challenges that hinder the financing and implementation of effective early warnings.

While there is a strong body of evidence supporting the return on investment in early warning, including its substantial economic and socio-economic benefits, sustaining and scaling these systems remain a challenge due to difficulties in securing long-term financing.  Funding constraints, competing priorities and resource limitations leave many countries without a clear path forward to establish and maintain EWS.    

Sustaining and scaling early warning systems require a combination of robust financing, technical advancements and capacity building. Financing needs to be anchored in and driven by countries and regional institutions. By leveraging multi-sectoral partnerships, building stronger national institutions and adopting innovative financing models, the long-term viability of early warning systems can be ensured.    

This session represents an opportunity to dive into this topic, discuss challenges related to early warning financing and share solutions and best practices adopted by different stakeholders – national and regional institutions, civil society, development partners and more. It aims to stimulate productive exchange amongst stakeholders on experiences and solutions implemented to sustain and scale up financing for effective EWS.

Focal points:

• Ms. Elkaye Macasil, Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative
• Mr. Gavin White, Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP)
• Mr. Luca Rossi, Senior Coordination Officer, UNDRR

Live stream: