GNDR launches global survey analysis on civil society’s role in localising early warning systems
The Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) has published a new analysis report on the state of Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Anticipatory Action (AA), drawing on responses from more than 400 civil society organisations across 88 countries.
The report, Localising Early Warning Systems and Anticipatory Action Through CSOs, is part of a wider initiative supported by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), British Red Cross, and the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP), funded by FCDO.
Key findings point to significant gaps in local participation, inclusive communication, and sustainable financing:
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Only 43% of respondents said their organisations actively participate in early warning communication
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Marginalised groups, including women and persons with disabilities, are often excluded from both decision-making and timely access to alerts
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Feedback mechanisms remain underdeveloped in most contexts, limiting the ability to improve systems based on local experience
The report offers actionable recommendations – such as investing in forecast-based financing, building local capacity, integrating indigenous knowledge, and embedding EWS into national disaster risk reduction policies.
Importantly, this report, together with insights from recent national workshops and a global seminar taking place today (5 June 2025) in Geneva at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025, will feed into the development of a 10-year strategic roadmap for localising early warnings and anticipatory action. This forthcoming roadmap will chart a path toward more inclusive, community-centred systems that leave no one behind.
Photo: Supratim Bhattacharjee / Climate Visuals
Download the report