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 officiated by Isoa Talemaibua, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management. He highlighted the partnership between the Fijian government and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office, aimed at enhancing early warning systems to strengthen resilience against climate-related risks.
Mr. Talemaibua underscored the necessity of collective action in improving disaster risk management and developing comprehensive early warning mechanisms to safeguard everyone in the region. He noted, “We recognize the immense challenges posed by climate change, natural disasters, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.” He stressed that early warning systems are crucial not only for saving lives but also for building resilience, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring community safety.
The proposal aligns with the “Early Warning for All” initiative, initiated under the United Nations framework, aiming to ensure that every individual globally is protected by early warning systems by 2027. It is structured around four main components: Disaster Risk Knowledge, Detection and Monitoring, Communication and Dissemination, and Response Capability.
Mr. Talemaibua praised the dedication of the pillar leads and stakeholders working on the early warning systems framework. He encouraged participants to engage in open discussions, provide constructive feedback, and embrace collective responsibility, emphasizing that the proposal’s success hinges on collaborative efforts.
The EW4ALL project aspires to deliver timely and actionable information to all Fijians, particularly those in vulnerable and remote locations, in advance of natural disasters. He mentioned that by enhancing the capabilities of Fijian authorities and communities, the initiative aims to improve preparedness for the repercussions of tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other severe weather incidents.
This collaborative initiative involves multiple partners, including UNDRR, WMO, ITU, and IFRC, and was initially launched by the United Nations Secretary-General in 2022. As the proposal is further developed, the focus will remain on promoting open dialogue and shared responsibility to ensure effective implementation and support from the GCF.