Kara Siahaan
Head
Organisation
Anticipation Hub
Other
Speaker session
Making better use of science to respond to climate-induced disasters in a humanitarian aid context: The role of Early Warning Systems
Studio
The aim of the session is to discuss the importance of early warning systems in informing decision-making, mitigating impact of disasters and fostering preparedness action as well as to re-position ‘early warning and action’ not only as a humanitarian topic, but also as a development and climate issue. With climate-related disasters displacing more people than conflict, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a plan post COP27 to ensure that everyone on the planet is protected by early warning systems within the next five years (Early Warning for All initiative). In this context, the session aims at examining what are the challenges and gap of early warning systems and what critical investments are needed in the respective pillars of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus to build effective early warning systems. Furthermore, the session will discuss the ways the aid community could engage with local authorities and/or communities to co-design an effective and innovative early warning system reaching the exposed people and enabling them to react appropriately. Last but not least, the session aims to raise awareness on the existing early warning systems at global level that could support the humanitarian aid community to better prepare for and respond to disasters.
Kai Gatkuoth
Technical Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction Unit
Biography
Mr. Kai is currently working with the African Union Commission as Technical Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Unit. He leads development of disaster risk reduction programmes for resilience and oversees development of continental policies for DRR and resilience building. His role also includes strengthening of partnership on DRR as well as developing Africa's positions on DRR to the global discourses. Areas he oversees as Head of the DRR Unit, are Disaster Risk Governance and Diplomacy, Risk Assessment, Risk Financing, Multi-hazard early warning systems, and preparedness. He is also leading the implementation of governance project financed by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund Intra-ACP Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.
Organisation
African Union
International organisation
Speaker session
Making better use of science to respond to climate-induced disasters in a humanitarian aid context: The role of Early Warning Systems
Studio
The aim of the session is to discuss the importance of early warning systems in informing decision-making, mitigating impact of disasters and fostering preparedness action as well as to re-position ‘early warning and action’ not only as a humanitarian topic, but also as a development and climate issue. With climate-related disasters displacing more people than conflict, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a plan post COP27 to ensure that everyone on the planet is protected by early warning systems within the next five years (Early Warning for All initiative). In this context, the session aims at examining what are the challenges and gap of early warning systems and what critical investments are needed in the respective pillars of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus to build effective early warning systems. Furthermore, the session will discuss the ways the aid community could engage with local authorities and/or communities to co-design an effective and innovative early warning system reaching the exposed people and enabling them to react appropriately. Last but not least, the session aims to raise awareness on the existing early warning systems at global level that could support the humanitarian aid community to better prepare for and respond to disasters.
Kanika Thakar
Green Response Adviser, Swedish Red Cross
Biography
Kanika Thakar, Environment and Green Response Advisor, Swedish Red Cross: Developing practical guidance and tools to better equip field-based staff, volunteers and community members to better understand and address humanitarian risks through an environmental lens. Strengthening environmental and climate considerations in development activities and emergency response through a community centred approach.
Organisation
Swedish Red Cross
NGO
Speaker session
Making better use of science to respond to climate-induced disasters in a humanitarian aid context: The role of Early Warning Systems
Studio
The aim of the session is to discuss the importance of early warning systems in informing decision-making, mitigating impact of disasters and fostering preparedness action as well as to re-position ‘early warning and action’ not only as a humanitarian topic, but also as a development and climate issue. With climate-related disasters displacing more people than conflict, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a plan post COP27 to ensure that everyone on the planet is protected by early warning systems within the next five years (Early Warning for All initiative). In this context, the session aims at examining what are the challenges and gap of early warning systems and what critical investments are needed in the respective pillars of the Humanitarian-Development-Peace nexus to build effective early warning systems. Furthermore, the session will discuss the ways the aid community could engage with local authorities and/or communities to co-design an effective and innovative early warning system reaching the exposed people and enabling them to react appropriately. Last but not least, the session aims to raise awareness on the existing early warning systems at global level that could support the humanitarian aid community to better prepare for and respond to disasters.