More than twenty participants took part in Fiji’s inaugural validation workshop for the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) Project proposal. The event was inaugurated by Isoa Talemaibua, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, who highlighted the partnership between the Fijian government and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office. This initiative aims to enhance early warning systems to increase resilience against climate-related threats.
Talemaibua stressed the significance of collaborative efforts in enhancing disaster risk management and ensuring comprehensive early warning systems that safeguard everyone in the region. He acknowledged the daunting challenges arising from climate change, natural disasters, and the growing frequency of extreme weather occurrences.
“Early warning systems are vital not only for saving lives but also for fostering resilience, protecting livelihoods, and safeguarding our communities,” Talemaibua stated. He pointed out that the proposal is aligned with the “Early Warning for All” initiative, launched under UN frameworks, which envisions comprehensive protection for every individual worldwide by 2027.
The proposal highlights four critical pillars: Disaster Risk Knowledge, Detection and Monitoring, Communication and Dissemination, and Response Capability. Talemaibua praised the outstanding contributions from pillar leads and stakeholders in formulating a solid framework for early warning systems.
He encouraged open dialogue, constructive feedback, and shared ownership throughout the discussions, emphasizing that the proposal’s success relies on the strength of their collaboration. “Together, we can ensure that our communities are better prepared, better informed, and more resilient in the face of the escalating impacts of climate change,” he added.
The EW4ALL project aims to deliver timely and actionable information to all Fijians, particularly those in vulnerable and remote regions, prior to natural disasters. Talemaibua mentioned that by bolstering the capabilities of Fijian authorities and communities, the initiative intends to improve readiness for the consequences of tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather phenomena.
This collaborative endeavor involves multiple organizations, including UNDRR, WMO, ITU, and IFRC, having been initially launched by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2022. As the proposal is refined, the focus will remain on fostering open dialogue and collective ownership to ensure effective execution and support from the GCF.