Accessible and inclusive MHEWS in diverse contexts

Evidence on inclusive approaches in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) is growing signalling increased momentum across diverse regions, with initiatives in Mali, Sudan, Cambodia, and Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrating how equity-driven strategies can strengthen MHEWS. 

In Mali, with support from a Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) project over 2,100 individuals, including 393 women leaders, were trained to coordinate food security and disseminate early warnings in flood-prone areas. Their leadership during the 2024 floods helped embed gender-responsive governance into local disaster planning. 

In Sudan, a 2024 Training of Trainers workshop convened with CREWS support brought together policymakers and civil society actors to integrate gender and disability inclusion into DRR frameworks. Despite conflict-related barriers, participants co-developed national roadmaps and inclusive early action tools, supported by regional collaboration with Somalia. 

In Cambodia, the EWS1294 system was assessed for inclusivity between 2022 and 2025, leading to national guidance on mainstreaming Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in disaster risk management. Community workshops and post-flood evaluations that were undertaken with CREWS support helped tailor alerts to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. 

Complementing these efforts, the Latin American and Caribbean Women's Network for Disaster Risk Reduction, supported by UNDRR, the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), and UN Women, has documented 43 regional best practices that leverage science, technology, and innovation to empower women and girls in DRR. Their work emphasises intersectional leadership and community-based risk communication, reinforcing Pillars 1 and 3 of MHEWS. 

Together, these examples show that inclusive MHEWS can transform disaster preparedness into a more equitable, effective, and people-centred process if the MHEWS is grounded in local leadership, with commitment from all of the institutions involved and supported through meaningful cross-sector collaboration.