A two-day National Workshop on Localized Early Warning Mechanisms concluded in Dhaka bringing together civil society representatives, government officials, policymakers, academicians, and disaster risk reduction experts to strengthen community-based Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Bangladesh.
The workshop, held on 12–13 May, 2025 and organized by Nari Maitree in collaboration with the Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), focused on enhancing the accessibility, effectiveness, and local ownership of EWS to protect vulnerable communities from climate-induced hazards.
The event served as a critical platform for inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue. Participants shared practical experiences, best practices, and locally-led solutions aimed at improving preparedness and anticipatory action at the grassroots level. Discussions emphasized the essential role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in shaping and implementing people-centered EWS that respond to community needs and realities.
Key objectives of the workshop included:
Promoting inclusive collaboration for localized EWS development;
Strengthening CSO participation in disaster preparedness;
Reflecting on GNDR’s global survey findings on EWS localization;
Sharing community-led case studies and innovations;
Co-developing advocacy messages to influence national policy;
Designing a Strategic Roadmap tailored to Bangladesh’s needs.
The workshop attracted a broad cross-section of stakeholders, including GNDR members, local and international CSOs, national government agencies, academia, and private sector actors. Participants jointly identified actionable strategies to improve coordination and ensure that early warning systems are timely, trusted, and accessible especially for the most at-risk populations.
This initiative marks a significant step toward aligning Bangladesh’s disaster risk reduction efforts with global commitments to inclusive, locally led climate resilience.
