The European Union is reinforcing its commitment to the Pacific region by supporting early warning systems and building disaster response capacity, especially in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO), the EU is helping Pacific nations prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters with systems that blend modern technology and local knowledge.

At the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Early Warnings for All, Ms. Olimpia Imperiali, Policy Officer at the European Commission, highlighted DG ECHO’s ongoing work in the Pacific.

“DG ECHO has developed early warning systems and tools that are now available to the Pacific and other regions,” she said. “We are contributing to the region’s capacity building through our humanitarian colleagues and sharing the lessons we’ve learned over the years.”

She added that working together with regional authorities is key to strengthening local systems.

“Our regional office is collaborating with Pacific authorities to support capacity building in early warning systems,” Ms. Imperiali explained. “There’s strong interest in further developing this work, and we’re sharing systems and experiences that are ready to be used in the Pacific.”

The Pacific remains one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to natural hazards such as cyclones, rising sea levels, and other climate impacts. With the right support and locally adapted systems, communities can better prepare for and reduce the impact of disasters.

The session of the Global Multi-Stakeholder Forum had closed under the theme “Accelerating Early Warnings for All.” The session emphasized the importance of collaboration at the international, regional, and national levels—and called for continued investment in multi-hazard early warning systems to safeguard lives in the years to come.