On November 19, 2024, Reliance Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations India, hosted a convening in Bhubaneswar, India, titled “Early Warning to Early Action - A Multi-Hazard, Multi-Stakeholder Approach.” The event brought together experts and stakeholders from across the Global South to exchange best practices, identify solutions, and drive meaningful policy outcomes for resilience-building. As part of the event, SLYCAN Trust team member, Mayantha Madurasinghe, contributed as a panelist in the ‘South-South Exchange on Early Warning, Early Action, and Policy Integration’ panel discussion, alongside climate and disaster management specialists from India and Bangladesh.
The convening focused on enhancing early warning systems (EWS) and early action in India by adopting multi-hazard, localised, and sector-based approaches. Emphasis was placed not only on strengthening the delivery and effectiveness of early warning measures but also on ensuring their successful translation into timely early action to save lives and livelihoods. Drawing from state and regional experiences, the convening fostered South-South learning, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration among nations in the Global South to build resilience and improve disaster preparedness.
A recurring theme throughout the convening was the importance of multi-hazard EWS as a cornerstone of disaster preparedness and response. While EWS play a pivotal role in minimising disaster impacts, they are most effective when part of a broader, integrated approach to reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience.
Traditional EWS often focus on single hazards, such as floods or cyclones, which limit their scope to address the complex, cascading risks of modern disasters. Transitioning to multi-hazard systems provides a more comprehensive framework, incorporating diverse hazards into one cohesive system. This approach enables timely, actionable warnings that address multiple threats simultaneously, ensuring communities are better prepared.
The convening highlighted innovative practices, such as integrating socio-demographic data with meteorological information to deliver targeted early action messaging. This people-centered approach ensures warnings are tailored to the specific needs of at-risk populations, enhancing their relevance and effectiveness. For example, localised risk maps and community-based assessments are being used to empower decision-makers with actionable insights that strengthen preparedness and response measures.
Effective disaster risk reduction also requires robust community engagement. Involving communities in the design and implementation of EWS fosters trust, ownership, and resilience among vulnerable populations. Conducting mock drills, training local volunteers, and leveraging digital tools for information dissemination can ensure that even the most vulnerable people get timely and clear warnings during disasters.
The convening underscored the importance of scaling up multi-hazard approaches, supported by collaborations between public and private sectors. Investments in impact-based forecasting, real-time data sharing, and predictive analysis not only save lives but also protect livelihoods and ecosystems. The inclusion of gender-sensitive and youth-led initiatives further enhances the capacity for localised early action. Additionally, the discussions at the event emphasised the need for continuous innovation and documentation of best practices to strengthen EWS globally. By embedding these systems into policy frameworks and promoting South-South cooperation, nations can collectively build a resilient future that addresses both immediate risks and long-term vulnerabilities.
The convening in Bhubaneswar, India served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of multi-hazard EWS in disaster risk reduction. By integrating advanced technology, socio-demographic insights, and community engagement, these systems can go beyond mere warnings to catalyse meaningful early actions that save lives and livelihoods. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in building resilient communities capable of navigating the uncertainties of a changing climate. Moving forward, these efforts will play a pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable populations and paving the way for a safer, more sustainable future.
Mayantha Madurasinghe works as the Assistant Manager, Programme and Finance at SLYCAN Trust. He is involved in thematic areas such as food systems, human mobility, loss and damage and youth. Mayantha has represented SLYCAN Trust in various forums, including the Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC in Egypt and UAE, and the Bonn Climate Change Conference 2023. He holds a BSc (hons) in Biotechnology from Nilai University Malaysia, and his extensive experience in the environmental field has led him to publish several research publications at various symposia.
On November 19, 2024, Reliance Foundation, in collaboration with the United Nations India, hosted a convening in Bhubaneswar, India, titled “Early Warning to Early Action - A Multi-Hazard, Multi-Stakeholder Approach.” The event brought together experts and stakeholders from across the Global South to exchange best practices, identify solutions, and drive meaningful policy outcomes for resilience-building. As part of the event, SLYCAN Trust team member, Mayantha Madurasinghe, contributed as a panelist in the ‘South-South Exchange on Early Warning, Early Action, and Policy Integration’ panel discussion, alongside climate and disaster management specialists from India and Bangladesh.
The convening focused on enhancing early warning systems (EWS) and early action in India by adopting multi-hazard, localised, and sector-based approaches. Emphasis was placed not only on strengthening the delivery and effectiveness of early warning measures but also on ensuring their successful translation into timely early action to save lives and livelihoods. Drawing from state and regional experiences, the convening fostered South-South learning, promoting knowledge exchange and collaboration among nations in the Global South to build resilience and improve disaster preparedness.
A recurring theme throughout the convening was the importance of multi-hazard EWS as a cornerstone of disaster preparedness and response. While EWS play a pivotal role in minimising disaster impacts, they are most effective when part of a broader, integrated approach to reduce vulnerabilities and build resilience.
Traditional EWS often focus on single hazards, such as floods or cyclones, which limit their scope to address the complex, cascading risks of modern disasters. Transitioning to multi-hazard systems provides a more comprehensive framework, incorporating diverse hazards into one cohesive system. This approach enables timely, actionable warnings that address multiple threats simultaneously, ensuring communities are better prepared.
The convening highlighted innovative practices, such as integrating socio-demographic data with meteorological information to deliver targeted early action messaging. This people-centered approach ensures warnings are tailored to the specific needs of at-risk populations, enhancing their relevance and effectiveness. For example, localised risk maps and community-based assessments are being used to empower decision-makers with actionable insights that strengthen preparedness and response measures.
Effective disaster risk reduction also requires robust community engagement. Involving communities in the design and implementation of EWS fosters trust, ownership, and resilience among vulnerable populations. Conducting mock drills, training local volunteers, and leveraging digital tools for information dissemination can ensure that even the most vulnerable people get timely and clear warnings during disasters.
The convening underscored the importance of scaling up multi-hazard approaches, supported by collaborations between public and private sectors. Investments in impact-based forecasting, real-time data sharing, and predictive analysis not only save lives but also protect livelihoods and ecosystems. The inclusion of gender-sensitive and youth-led initiatives further enhances the capacity for localised early action. Additionally, the discussions at the event emphasised the need for continuous innovation and documentation of best practices to strengthen EWS globally. By embedding these systems into policy frameworks and promoting South-South cooperation, nations can collectively build a resilient future that addresses both immediate risks and long-term vulnerabilities.
The convening in Bhubaneswar, India served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of multi-hazard EWS in disaster risk reduction. By integrating advanced technology, socio-demographic insights, and community engagement, these systems can go beyond mere warnings to catalyse meaningful early actions that save lives and livelihoods. The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in building resilient communities capable of navigating the uncertainties of a changing climate. Moving forward, these efforts will play a pivotal role in safeguarding vulnerable populations and paving the way for a safer, more sustainable future.
