Strengthening early warning systems in Sudan: UNDRR and partners lead pivotal workshops
In early November 2024, Sudan hosted two crucial workshops aimed at advancing its disaster early warning capabilities, with a focus on building resilience amidst the country’s unique challenges. Organized under the "Early Warnings for All" (EW4All) initiative, these workshops were held in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These workshops came to underscore Sudan's commitment to bolstering its disaster preparedness infrastructure by improving risk knowledge and fostering coordinated multi-sector responses.
The workshops brought together a diverse array of participants dedicated to strengthening Sudan’s disaster risk reduction and early warning systems. These included key stakeholders from various sectors, such as government agencies responsible for disaster risk management and meteorology, representatives from civil society organizations focused on climate and disaster information, Sudan Meteorological Agency (SMA), Sudanese Red Cross, and private sector partners, including mobile network operators. Broad participation also came from implementing partners of the EW4All initiative, media and broadcasters, and donor agencies.
National launch of the "Early Warnings for All" initiative
The first workshop introduced the "Early Warnings for All" (EW4All) initiative in Sudan, following a global call to ensure that everyone worldwide is protected by early warnings by 2027. Sudan, grappling with the compounded risks of natural hazards, conflict, and climate impacts, urgently needs robust early warning systems to mitigate these threats and save lives. During the two-day event, participants assessed the current state of early warning systems in Sudan, addressing key gaps, especially in data collection, forecasting, communication, and preparedness.
Central to the discussions were the four pillars of EW4All: risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, dissemination and communication, and response preparedness. These components are foundational for an effective, end-to-end, and people-centered early warning system that can operate even in fragile contexts. Participants also examined Sudan's specific needs and formulated initial steps for a multi-year national roadmap, identifying the resources, technical assistance, and stakeholder collaboration required to achieve nationwide early warning coverage.
Technical workshop on enhancing risk knowledge for early warnings
The second workshop emphasized enhancing risk knowledge, the first pillar of EW4All. Stakeholders, including representatives from key government ministries, technical experts, and UN partners, gathered to assess the collection, management, and use of risk information as a foundation for an effective early warning system. One significant activity involved a scenario-based analysis using recent floods that impacted Kassala, Red Sea, and Gedaref states, affecting over 32,000 people. Participants mapped Sudan’s current early warning capacities in this scenario, identifying critical gaps in data collection, hazard surveillance, early warning message dissemination, and response coordination.
The workshop also introduced participants to the "Handbook on Risk Knowledge Use for Early Warning Systems," providing structured guidance on how to utilize risk information in defining reference scenarios, setting short- and medium-term objectives, and tailoring warnings to Sudan’s unique contexts. Exercises focused on creating a reference scenario, conducting a gap analysis, and establishing achievable targets for improved early warning functions.
A step towards resilience in fragility
Both workshops highlighted the challenges Sudan faces in implementing early warning systems within its context of fragility and conflict. A session dedicated to the complexities of deploying early warnings in conflict-affected areas and violent contexts underscored the importance of adaptable strategies, localized knowledge, and collaboration across various sectors, from health to agriculture. Attendees agreed on the necessity for continued dialogue and coordination among stakeholders, reinforcing a "whole-of-society" approach that includes government, civil society, private sector, and international partners.
UNDRR, in collaboration with Sudanese authorities and partners, will provide continuing support to Sudan to reduce disaster risk and enhance its capacity to safeguard vulnerable populations.