Key technical staff and leadership from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and National Societies have convened in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the implementation of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. With a particular emphasis on Pillar 4—Preparedness and Response Capacities—this workshop is being led by IFRC’s global and regional EW4All teams in collaboration with national focal points. The primary objectives include assessing IFRC’s role in the initiative, enhancing technical skills, sharing best practices, fostering peer-to-peer support, and validating the IFRC EW4All Roadmap in alignment with the African Union’s regional roadmap.
Representing the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS) at the workshop is its Secretary General, Marie-May Esparon. The RCSS has taken on a key leadership role in Pillar 4, which focuses on strengthening preparedness and response mechanisms. Ms. Esparon highlighted that the workshop is providing valuable insights into the coordination roles of National Societies and IFRC, as well as the current status of EW4All within the African region.
“The Red Cross is leading Pillar 4 of this initiative mainly because we have direct access to communities, enabling us to bring the initiative closer to the people,” stated Ms. Esparon. “Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the EW4All Roadmap. I believe that it is important to emphasize on the fact that, at the end of the day, it is the people in the communities who are most affected, and a lot of us agree that the EW4ALL will compliment all the efforts already being done to build local capacities and increase awareness to minimize loss of lives, livelihood etc…”
Pillar 4 of the EW4All initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring “Last-Mile Connectivity,” which is vital for disaster relief and response efforts. The initiative aims to guarantee that early warnings reach vulnerable populations, especially those in remote or underserved areas, enabling them to take proactive measures such as evacuation, securing their homes, or preparing emergency supplies before a disaster strikes.
By ensuring timely alerts and preparedness, local communities can better organize themselves, reducing reliance on external aid and facilitating a more decentralized, rapid response in the wake of disasters. Ms. Esparon underscored the importance of not only receiving alerts but also equipping communities with the necessary knowledge and resources to take appropriate action.
Effective last-mile connectivity also requires better coordination among key stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), humanitarian agencies, and local community leaders. This collaborative approach ensures that relief operations are well-organized and that aid is distributed fairly and efficiently. “When all stakeholders understand the needs of affected communities, response efforts can be more effective and equitable,” Ms. Esparon emphasized.
In his opening remarks, Pierre Kramer, Deputy Director of the IFRC Regional Africa Office, highlighted the importance of understanding the initiative from a National Society’s perspective. He stressed the need for clarity in identifying the specific challenges faced at the country level and ensuring well-defined roles and responsibilities within the initiative.
With only two and a half years remaining to complete the EW4All initiative, there is still significant work to be done. Launched by the United Nations in 2022, the initiative aims to implement effective early warning systems (EWS) worldwide by the end of 2027 to protect vulnerable populations from hazardous weather and climate-related events.
The Nairobi workshop is serving as a critical platform for refining coordination efforts and identifying ways to strengthen in-country collaboration. The RCSS remains committed to ensuring that Seychelles—and the broader African region—benefits from an inclusive and well-executed EW4All initiative, ultimately enhancing community resilience in the face of disasters.
National Societies from the Indian Ocean Islands, such as Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros are also represented in this workshop which started on the 10th and will end on the 13th of March 2025.
