Nari Maitree, in collaboration with the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), has kicked off a two-day National Workshop Series on Localised Early Warning Mechanisms at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. This initiative seeks to improve community-centered early warning systems, crucial for disaster-prone Bangladesh.
Bringing together government agencies, meteorologists, NGOs, academics, and community leaders, the workshop aims to bridge gaps between science and grassroots realities. The series began with opening remarks by Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, who highlighted the importance of inclusive and accessible early warning systems in reducing climate-related risks.
Despite the growing global frequency of disasters, many vulnerable communities remain underserved by traditional warning mechanisms. To address this, GNDR conducted a global survey across 88 countries, identifying challenges and best practices in early warning and anticipatory action. Based on the findings, Bangladesh was selected—alongside Colombia and Kenya—to host this national-level dialogue focused on amplifying local perspectives.
Experts from Bangladesh Meteorological Department, including Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik and Director Md Mominul Islam, emphasized the need for stronger links between scientific forecasting and local communities. “The workshop enables vital knowledge exchange to enhance the effectiveness of warnings,” said Dr. Mallik.
Local CSOs also underscored the importance of community participation. Shamim Arfeen of AOSED shared, “This is an opportunity for grassroots organizations to ensure community voices shape the systems meant to protect them.”
Academic institutions lent their perspective as well, with Dr. Fatima Akter of Dhaka University noting the importance of evidence-based strategies to improve community resilience. NGOs like BRAC are actively engaged, with Md Liakath Ali reaffirming their commitment to building responsive, localized systems through collaboration.
Through interactive group sessions, plenaries, and stakeholder dialogues, participants are working together to identify gaps, propose solutions, and develop concrete recommendations to enhance early warning systems tailored to Bangladesh’s unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
National Workshop Series Launched in Dhaka to Strengthen Localised Early Warning Systems
Nari Maitree, in collaboration with the Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction (GNDR), has kicked off a two-day National Workshop Series on Localised Early Warning Mechanisms at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka. This initiative seeks to improve community-centered early warning systems, crucial for disaster-prone Bangladesh.
Bringing together government agencies, meteorologists, NGOs, academics, and community leaders, the workshop aims to bridge gaps between science and grassroots realities. The series began with opening remarks by Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree, who highlighted the importance of inclusive and accessible early warning systems in reducing climate-related risks.
Despite the growing global frequency of disasters, many vulnerable communities remain underserved by traditional warning mechanisms. To address this, GNDR conducted a global survey across 88 countries, identifying challenges and best practices in early warning and anticipatory action. Based on the findings, Bangladesh was selected—alongside Colombia and Kenya—to host this national-level dialogue focused on amplifying local perspectives.
Experts from Bangladesh Meteorological Department, including Dr. Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik and Director Md Mominul Islam, emphasized the need for stronger links between scientific forecasting and local communities. “The workshop enables vital knowledge exchange to enhance the effectiveness of warnings,” said Dr. Mallik.
Local CSOs also underscored the importance of community participation. Shamim Arfeen of AOSED shared, “This is an opportunity for grassroots organizations to ensure community voices shape the systems meant to protect them.”
Academic institutions lent their perspective as well, with Dr. Fatima Akter of Dhaka University noting the importance of evidence-based strategies to improve community resilience. NGOs like BRAC are actively engaged, with Md Liakath Ali reaffirming their commitment to building responsive, localized systems through collaboration.
Through interactive group sessions, plenaries, and stakeholder dialogues, participants are working together to identify gaps, propose solutions, and develop concrete recommendations to enhance early warning systems tailored to Bangladesh’s unique challenges and vulnerabilities.
