Leading international organizations, including the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), are gearing up for the launch of the Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All (MEW4All) Action Plan in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 4.
In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, WMO, AUC, and their partners recently wrapped up a review of the MEW4All Action Plan for Africa.
Dr. Kosmos Akande-Alasoka (DPA), Public Information Officer at the World Meteorological Organization’s Regional Office for Africa (RAF), shared that high-level officials from WMO, AUC, IFRC, ITU, UNDRR, and other stakeholders meticulously examined the initial draft document crafted by the technical teams.
This initiative, known as the MEW4ALL Action Plan for Africa (2023-2027), aims to fill existing gaps and establish a continent-wide early warning system by 2027, aligning with the objectives of AMHEWAS and EW4All.
This plan builds on ongoing regional early warning efforts and provides a roadmap for member states and stakeholders to tackle weather, water, and climate service-related challenges.
Mr. Filipe Lúcio, Director of the Member Services and Development Department at WMO, acknowledged the leadership role of AUC and the collaborative effort of the high-level team in improving weather forecasting, especially for severe weather events. He also recognized the need to enhance communication and responses in the early warning systems.
Mr. Harsen Nyambe, AU Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, emphasized the encouragement of AU Heads of State and Government for member states to strengthen their national systems for disaster-related displacement, disaster risk reduction, and early warning.
Dr. Matthias NAAB, Director of the UNDP Regional Service Center, stressed the importance of a risk-informed development approach to address climate change challenges and disaster risk management.
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Ms. Phoebe Wafubwa, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction/Climate Resilience Coordinator, highlighted IFRC’s support for Community-based Disaster Risk Reduction in African communities.
Ahmed Rona Ali from IMO highlighted their commitment to climate adaptation and risk reduction programming across Africa and globally.
Ms. Anne-Rachel Inne, Regional Director for Africa and Representative to AU and UNECA, praised the collaboration among participants in the MEW4All Action Plan and discussed ITU’s support for member states in implementing the EW4ALL through the Common Alerting Protocol and the need to strengthen communication infrastructure.
The Action Plan is set to be launched in Nairobi, Kenya, during the African Climate Summit on September 4, 2023.
In a related development, the Director of WMO Regional Office for Africa, Dr. Agnes Kijazi, engaged in a productive operational synergy retreat with the President of RA I in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The retreat covered various topics related to the regional office’s support of the President’s functions, including procedures for nominating experts, capacity gaps, and regional priorities.
Mr. Fetene Teshome, President of RA I and Permanent Representation of Ethiopia with WMO, appreciated the support and guidance provided by the Regional Office, recognizing its significance in enhancing his role as President of the Region.
He also affirmed continued collaboration between the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI), the government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the WMO Regional Office.
