As the lead of Pillar 3: ‘Warning Dissemination and Communication of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General's Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, ITU established a Technical Expert Group (TEG) for countries implementing and using mobile early warning systems (EWS).
Background
As multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) are key elements of disaster risk reduction, loss and damage, as well as climate change adaptation, they help reduce, avoid, and better manage the impacts of hazardous events. They are a proven tool for countries to protect and mitigate losses and potentially grow development gains in the face of climate change.
However, half of the world is still not covered by EWS. With 95 per cent of the world's population having access to mobile broadband networks and 80 per cent of the population owning a mobile phone (ITU Facts and Figures 2024), mobile networks present an incredibly powerful communication channel for EWS. Mobile networks can be used to send early warning messages and alert populations about an imminent hazard. ITU works closely with partners, including IFRC, to ensure that warnings reach everyone at risk by creating the enabling environment and technical capabilities for multi-channel dissemination and communication alerting.
This online-based TEG will support ITU's lead of EW4All Pillar 3 by sharing experiences and building expertise in setting up and enhancing public EWS and last-mile communication, and improve resilience.
Objectives
- Enhance collaboration & knowledge sharing among members on priority issues identified by members to accelerate or improve the implementation of mobile EWS globally in line with the EW4All objectives
- Support the peer review of processes and documents, such as regulatory texts, tender documents, and use cases on public warning systems (PWS) implementations
- Identify good practices that can be shared within but also outside this group, including at EW4All events and publications
Structures
The TEG will be guided by the needs of and requests from countries/members. It will cover a wide range of activities, including but not limited to technical discussions, regulation, stakeholder engagement, communication, and financing. Specific topics expected to be covered by the TEG include:
- Public warning systems (PWS) architecture and regulation
- Cell-broadcast (CB) implementation
- Multi-channel deployment
- Satellite adaptation
- Standardization, including, for example, for handset and chip manufacturers
- Awareness raising and communication to communities
More information can be found on the TEG's Terms of Reference.
