United Nations supports successful National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) in South Africa

The United Nations in South Africa is pleased with the successful outcome of the National Consultative Workshop on Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL), which was held from 26 to 28 August 2024 in Pretoria. This crucial event represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to immediately finalize a roadmap to enhance and finance early warning systems and anticipatory resilience building actions, aligning them with the global UN initiative to ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events by the end of 2027.

The pertinent Early Warning for ALL initiative was launched by UN Secretary-General in 2022 to ensure that "that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.” This initiative is built on four key pillars: Disaster Risk Knowledge and Management; Detection, Observation, Monitoring, Analysis, and Forecasting; Warning Dissemination and Communication; and Preparedness and Response Capabilities.

This inter-agency and inter-departmental workshop aimed to identify gaps, opportunities, and actions needed to strengthen disaster management in South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Discussions will focus on the four pillars of the Early Warning initiative—disaster risk knowledge, observations and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and preparedness and response capabilities. The goal is to enhance inter-country coordination and improve disaster preparedness and response, ultimately contributing to more resilient and sustainable development in the region.

The workshop was inaugurated by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Bernice Swarts, who highlighted the critical importance of the EW4ALL initiative in building resilience against climate-related threats in South Africa. The minister emphasized the urgent need for collaborative action among like-minded institutions, stressing the importance of uniting around the shared objective of safeguarding human lives from the impacts of extreme weather phenomena. “A key part of building climate resilience is the establishment of effective early-warning systems to enable communities to prepare for disasters before they occur,” added Ms. Swarts. 

In his address at the gathering, Nelson Muffuh, the head of the UN in South Africa and its Resident Coordinator, said, "Early warning systems, combined with well-funded and coordinated anticipatory actions involving all sectors of society, are crucial for effective disaster preparedness and response. These systems play a vital role in building resilience and ensuring that no one is left behind, especially as South Africa and the broader Southern Africa region face increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters. The UN is committed to supporting resilience and recovery efforts through comprehensive strategies, including advancing insurance cover, needs assessments, and investment pathways." 

The event was hosted by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) and brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from national and local governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. Collaborating United Nations entities included World Meteorological Organization, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, International Telecommunication Union. Collaborating Government of South Africa entities included the National Disaster Management Centre, Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Department of Cooperative Governance, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.

The United Nations, along with its partners, is committed to supporting the country’s efforts to enhance its early warning systems. This workshop marks a significant step forward in ensuring that all communities, especially those most vulnerable, are better prepared to face climate-related hazards. The UN will continue to work closely with the South African government and other stakeholders to develop and implement the EW4ALL National Roadmap, contributing to a safer and more resilient future for all.