From 2 to 4 September, the United Nations Office to the African Union participated in the Africa Early Warnings Forum in Addis Ababa, convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the World Meteorological Organization, the African Union Commission, the International Telecommunication Union and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in partnership with the Government of Ethiopia.
UNOAU also supported preparations for the Forum, including engagement on the links between early warning, fragility and Climate, Peace and Security. Discussions emphasized the need to move beyond producing warnings towards predictable early and anticipatory action, supported by clear institutional responsibilities, stronger regional coordination, accessible last-mile communication and sustainable financing.
Participants highlighted the particular challenges facing fragile and conflict-affected settings, where vulnerable and displaced populations may have limited access to early warning systems. Discussions also underscored the importance of strengthening links between early warning and peace and security, particularly given the impacts of climate-related risks and shocks on mobility and access to resources.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of UNOAU, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, participated in the High-Level Closing Session, which adopted the Addis Ababa Call to Action on Early Warnings in Africa. The Call to Action emphasized strengthening early warning coverage in fragile and conflict-affected countries, translating warnings into early action and promoting shared accountability towards universal protection.
UNOAU will continue engaging with the African Union and UN partners to strengthen integrated climate-conflict early warning and analysis in support of prevention and stability across the continent.
