ParlAmericas Podcast

Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: Perspectives on Sustainable and Inclusive Governance in the Caribbean

Episode Summary

This episode was recorded during the virtual session “Parliamentary Action for Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness in the Caribbean,” organized by ParlAmericas, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), UN Women Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean, and the UN World Food Programme, in September 2024. In the session, Jair Torres, Programme Management Officer at UNDRR for the Americas and the Caribbean, provided a comprehensive analysis on the importance of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems as a tool to reduce the risk of hazards becoming disasters in the Caribbean. He speaks about how parliamentarians can contribute through legislation, oversight, and budget allocations to ensure that these systems are fully operational. Mr. Torres explores elements that support the implementation of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, including reviewing and amending existing sectoral legislation to ensure effective integration of these early warning systems, the need for clear governance frameworks, and adequate funding for the financial sustainability of these systems. He also highlights the importance of integrating social inclusivity considerations into these systems to ensure that all communities, particularly vulnerable groups and women and girls, are protected by them.

Episode Notes

This episode was recorded during the virtual session “Parliamentary Action for Disaster Risk Reduction and Preparedness in the Caribbean,” organized by ParlAmericas, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), UN Women Multi-Country Office for the Caribbean, and the UN World Food Programme, in September 2024.

In the session, Jair Torres, Programme Management Officer at UNDRR for the Americas and the Caribbean, provided an in-depth analysis on the importance of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems as a tool to reduce the risk of hazards becoming disasters in the Caribbean. He speaks about how parliamentarians can contribute through legislation, oversight, and budget allocations to ensuring that these systems are fully operational. 

Mr. Torres explores elements that support the implementation of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, including reviewing and amending existing sectoral legislation to ensure effective integration of MHEWS, the need for clear governance frameworks, and adequate funding for the financial sustainability of these systems.  He also highlights the importance of integrating social inclusivity considerations into these systems to ensure that all communities, particularly vulnerable groups and women and girls, are protected by them.