Arab Annual Regional Forum on Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness

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The Arab region is facing a rapidly evolving disaster risk landscape, marked by the increasing frequency, intensity, and interconnected nature of natural and climate‑related hazards. In recent years, countries across the region have been affected by severe earthquakes, floods, landslides, wildfires, prolonged droughts, and extreme heatwaves, resulting in significant human, economic, and environmental impacts. These challenges have reinforced the critical importance of robust early warning systems, effective preparedness, and proactive disaster risk reduction as essential foundations for safeguarding lives, protecting development gains, and strengthening regional resilience. 

In response to these mounting risks, early warning and disaster preparedness have become strategic priorities embedded within key Arab policy frameworks and regional commitments. Instruments such as the Kuwait Declaration adopted at the Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Arab Initiative for Disaster Shelter endorsed by the Arab League Summit reflect a shared regional determination to strengthen anticipatory action and disaster readiness. These efforts align closely with global frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Secretary‑General’s Early Warnings for All initiative, emphasizing the need to ensure that timely, reliable, and accessible risk information leads to effective preparedness and lifesaving action on the ground. Within this context, the Arab Annual Regional Forum on Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness serves as a high‑level platform for regional dialogue, coordination, and cooperation. 

Convened under the leadership of the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, in partnership with pillars leads of EW4All (UNDRR, WMO, ITU, IFRC​), supporting UN agencies (FAO​, OCHA, UNDP), regional institutions, and international partners, the annual Forum brings together policymakers, technical experts, and humanitarian actors to advance integrated, inclusive, and people‑centred approaches to early warning and disaster preparedness. Through strengthened partnerships, shared expertise, and coordinated action—across governance, technology, climate services, and humanitarian response—the Forum seeks to enhance regional early warning and preparedness capacities, contributing to a safer and more resilient Arab region where no one is left behind.