Regional Workshop on Resilient Infrastructure for Effective Early Warning Dissemination

Regional Workshop on Resilient Infrastructure for Effective Early Warning Dissemination

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS) at Tohoku University co-organized a landmark regional workshop in Sendai, Japan, in 2025, marking the first-ever collaboration between the two institutions. Supported by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), the event convened participants from 18 ITU Member States across Asia and the Pacific to strengthen disaster preparedness through resilient digital infrastructure and innovative technologies.

*Participants at the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University.*

Emergency response coordination room of NTT.

The workshop emphasized existing technologies that can contribute to bringing the region closer to disaster preparedness and resilience:

On innovation: A real-time, impact-based tsunami forecasting system using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and high-performance computing to predict inundation, building damage, and population exposure, developed in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, was showcased as an example.

On ICT resilience frameworks: The workshop introduced a four-dimensional regional study involving four pilot countries and assessing ICT resilience. The four dimensions cover network resilience, affordability of ICT, emergency preparedness, and early warning systems.

On digital technologies for Early Warnings for All (EW4All): The workshop emphasized the importance of cell broadcast, the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), and the Early Warning Connectivity Map (EWCM) to improve geo-targeted alert dissemination by identifying populations without connectivity and addressing coverage gaps under the framework of the EW4All initiative of the UN Secretary-General.

On Japan’s National Early Warning (J-Alert) System: The workshop shared how satellite and terrestrial networks deliver real-time alerts directly to residents through a multi-channel approach (including mobile phone, radio, email, among others), even during off-hours, without local staff intervention.

*Knowledge sharing by experts from NTT DOCOMO*

Sendai, a city deeply impacted by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, served as a powerful backdrop for the workshop. Participants visited key sites, including the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), NTT DOCOMO’s disaster recovery monitoring facility and cell on wheels-based solutions, and Sendai’s coastal tsunami early warning system, which uses autonomous drones for rapid alert dissemination. A visit to Arahama Elementary School, a symbol of survival and recovery, underscored the human dimension of disaster resilience.

This collaboration with Tohoku University brought together academic and technological excellence and international policy leadership, setting a precedent for future joint efforts in disaster risk reduction and early warning innovation. The workshop, which was more than just a technical exchange, was a powerful demonstration of how technology, policy, and collaboration can converge to build resilient societies and support countries in the region to meet respective national, regional, and international commitments.

*A scene from Arahama Elementary School, a reminder of the 2011 tsunami’s impact and the community’s recovery.*

*Dioramac model of earth quake remains at Arahama Elementary school.*

Participants demonstrated a strong eagerness to learn, actively engaging in discussions and posing thoughtful questions throughout the sessions. They left with actionable insights, strengthened networks, and renewed commitment to improving national early warning systems and ultimately, advancing Early Warnings for All across Asia and the Pacific.

Watch the video highlights

This is an ITU Development #BDT4Impact story

About the project

Enhancing Digital Infrastructure and Affordable Access to ICT Services in Asia and the Pacific – Phase 2 supports ITU’s work to strengthen resilient ICT infrastructure and improve early warning communication systems across Asia and the Pacific. Building on Phase 1, the project focuses on least developed and landlocked countries, aiming to expand affordable broadband access, strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, and improve institutional coordination.

Supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication of Japan and implemented by ITU, the initiative advances digital connectivity and disaster preparedness through targeted policy development, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.

Visit the project page for more details.
Learn more about the Early Warnings for All initiative.