MEIDECC’s NDRMO and Tonga Meteorological Services, in collaboration with the United Nations and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, concluded a three-day consultation workshop on early warning systems. The event, aimed at enhancing Tonga’s multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), brought together government agencies, civil society, and development partners.
Hon. Fekita ‘Utoikamanu, Minister for MEIDECC, emphasised the importance of collaboration, stating, “Partnership and cooperation are essential to ensure that Tonga can deliver people-centered, end-to-end early warning systems across the islands.”
The workshop focused on the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, launched by the UN Secretary-General in 2022, and the regionally led Weather Ready Pacific (WRP) Programme. Tonga is among the first 30 countries to receive targeted support under EW4All, aiming to protect every person by 2027.
The Hon. Minister highlighted the significance of anticipatory action, noting, “Tonga’s systems must be as anticipatory as possible, and only as reactive as necessary.”
