This project complements the global initiative “Early Warnings for All” (EW4All) and is titled “Advancing Risk Knowledge to Improve Tajikistan’s Disaster Early Warning System.” Partners such as UNDP, OCHA, CIMA Research Foundation, and Microsoft participated, with the Government of Tajikistan leading the event.

Tajikistan, a country highly vulnerable to natural disasters, has experienced over 4,000 events in recent decades, causing an estimated $500 million in damages. This makes improving early warning systems (EWS) a necessity rather than just a priority. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to focus on an essential element: risk knowledge. This knowledge is vital for identifying those most at risk from disasters such as floods or earthquakes and for assessing potential impacts. By understanding these risks, experts can develop tailored warnings that reach the most vulnerable communities in time. Specific hazards were analyzed, taking into account local vulnerabilities and the likely effects on exposed populations.

Although early warning systems have been proven to save lives and reduce damage, significant gaps remain globally. Currently, one in three people around the world remain unprotected by such systems. The EW4All initiative aims to close this gap by 2027, ensuring that everyone is covered by an effective EWS.

Tajikistan has already taken steps in this direction, holding a national workshop in August 2023 to identify gaps in its existing systems. This effort culminated in the creation of a roadmap, officially endorsed in July 2024, outlining a plan to improve early warnings across the country.

At the Dushanbe workshop, participants reviewed current approaches, received training, and explored new tools, including Microsoft’s AI-powered exposure mapping. These resources are crucial for strengthening Tajikistan’s ability to monitor, evaluate, and deliver life-saving warnings. The event marked a significant step toward building a more resilient future for the country, ensuring that no community is left unprotected from the dangers posed by natural disasters.