Tunis:The League of Arab States, in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), launched the second Arab Regional Forum on Early Warning Systems and Disaster Preparedness. Hosted by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), the event is conducted in partnership with several United Nations agencies and regional and international organizations focused on disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and humanitarian response.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the three-day forum gathers representatives from Arab countries, regional and international organizations, and technical partners. Saudi Arabia participates with a delegation led by Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam, CEO of the National Center for Meteorology.
The forum's objectives include reviewing the development of multi-hazard early warning systems across Arab nations, identifying challenges and gaps, and enhancing regional cooperation. It aims to support the "Early Warnings for All" initiative by improving integration among the four key pillars of early warning systems disaster risk knowledge, monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination and communication, and preparedness and response. Strengthening national and local capacities to ensure that warnings lead to timely and effective actions for protecting lives and livelihoods is also a priority.
Additionally, the forum examines the role of technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, and digital tools in risk monitoring, forecasting, and warning dissemination. It emphasizes enhancing local community participation and stakeholder involvement, ensuring that early warning systems are accessible to all societal segments. The event also aims to set priorities for joint action and establish partnerships to expedite progress in early warning, preparedness, and resilience throughout the Arab region.
