Niël Terblanché
African leaders and stakeholders gathered in Windhoek to work collaboratively towards a future where no African country is left vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters.
Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, officially opened the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Multi-Stakeholder Forum for Africa on Monday and said that the week-long forum is a key moment for Namibia.
“This event brings together key stakeholders from across the continent to strengthen Africa’s disaster preparedness through effective early warning systems,” he said.
Mutorwa welcomed delegates from governments, United Nations agencies, civil society, and the private sector, underscoring the urgency of improving early warning systems across Africa.
The forum coincides with the 9th Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (ARPD), an event focusing on building resilience against climate change and related hazards.
“Disasters do not discriminate,” Mutorwa said while also stressing the need to accelerate the implementation of early warning systems across Namibia and Africa.
The EW4All initiative, launched by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, aims to ensure that every person, no matter where they live, is protected by life-saving early warning systems by 2027.
The African continent, which is frequently affected by severe weather-related events such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves, stands to benefit significantly from this programme.
The multi-stakeholder forum in Windhoek serves as a platform for sharing best practices, reviewing progress, and addressing the challenges that hinder the development of comprehensive early warning systems.
One of the central themes of the forum is the importance of inclusivity.
Mutorwa said that Namibia is committed to ensuring that all segments of society, including youth, women, and people with disabilities, are included in the development of these systems.
“This approach aligns with the broader goals of the EW4All initiative, which seeks to leave no one behind in disaster preparedness,” he said.
The forum will also focus on the importance of value addition in early warning systems through partnerships and technological innovations.
Representatives from the African Union Commission, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will join in discussions on how Africa can leverage scientific advancements to enhance weather and climate predictions.
“By using accurate data and improving coordination across borders, countries can issue timely and effective warnings that save lives and protect livelihoods,” the minister said.
According to Mutorwa, Namibia has experienced severe droughts and floods, exacerbated by climate change in recent years.
“The government, in collaboration with regional bodies like the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has made significant strides toward building a more resilient society,” he said.
Mutorwa highlighted the establishment of Namibia’s national situation room, which will be linked to regional early warning systems and the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS).
“This facility will enhance the country’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters,” he added.
According to the objectives of the forum, African countries are expected to commit to enhancing early warning systems by allocating more resources and fostering partnerships at the national and regional levels.
The aim is to bridge existing gaps and ensure that early warning systems are not only functional but also accessible and reliable for all citizens.
According to Mutorwa, the outcomes of this forum will play a critical role in shaping Africa’s response to climate-related disasters and will feed into the global EW4All forum scheduled for 2025 in Geneva.
