The Second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference was held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 13-14 May 2019 ahead of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR). It was organised by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and a consortium of international partners, including the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.

The MHEWC-II demonstrated that MHEWS are sound investments and have been proven to enhance resilience of communities at risk and reduce costs of response and recovery. Additional investments, together with better harmonization, coordination and partnerships are required to reach targets of the Sendai Framework, the 2030 Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement. In particular, the International Network of Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (IN-MHEWS) is committed to continue advocating for the implementation and strengthening of MHEWS and developing actions to support countries in building their national systems and to contribute to achieving Target G of the Sendai Framework.

In a panel session on ‘Making Early Warning System Multi-hazard’, Denis Chang Seng, IOC Programme Specialist discussed the IOC Global Tsunami Early Warning Systems, highlighting the key achievements, challenges (including non-seismic tsunamis) and opportunities to further advance the system. The conference was attended by 320 participants from all regions of the world, including international, regional, national and local organizations & the public and private sector, civil society, and academia.

Mr. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General, WMO reported outcomes of the MHEWC-II at the Global Platform Meeting on 17 May 2019.

More information about the two meetings are available at:

https://mhews.wmo.int/en/partners

https://mhews.wmo.int/en/programme

https://www.unisdr.org/conference/2019/globalplatform/home