Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
In July 2024, Tajikistan reached a significant milestone in disaster risk reduction (DRR) by endorsing a costed national roadmap for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS). This achievement followed the national launch of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative in August 2023, backed by high-level political commitment, including the appointment of a Deputy Prime Minister as the government focal point.
The roadmap sets out priority actions and investment needs in early warning and DRR, aligned with Target G of the Sendai Framework and building on the foundations of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2019-2034). A key element of success has been the robust coordination mechanism led by the Tajikistan National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. This platform facilitates integration among national and local actors across key sectors, ensuring that early warnings are timely, actionable, and reach the most at-risk communities. Clearly defined institutional roles have strengthened information flow across the MHEWS value chain.
In partnership with the Swiss Cooperation Office, UNDRR supported Tajikistan in positioning early warning systems within its DRR priorities. As part of this process, over 50 representatives from government ministries, technical sectors and vulnerable communities came together to develop a comprehensive national risk assessment methodology. This approach reflects Tajikistan’s status as a landlocked developing country (LLDC) highly exposed to natural hazards, guiding evidence-based decision-making,planning and climate risk adaptation.
Tajikistan has also strengthened regional collaboration. In 2024, it joined Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan in calling for the establishment of a Regional Early Warning and Mutual Information System under the EW4All initiative., underscoring the importance of cross-border cooperation and shared risk information.Tajikistan’s National DRR Strategy (2019-2034) has played a central role in advancing early warning capabilities, as evidenced by its contribution to the MHEWS road map.
Key impacts include:
- Policy alignment and institutional commitment: The MHEWS roadmap is anchored in the national DRR strategy, ensuring coherence with broader DRR goals. Alignment with Sendai Framework Target G reinforces risk-informed governance. The appointment of a Deputy Prime Minister as the EW4All focal point reflects strong political ownership.
- Enhanced coordination: The National Platform for DRR enabled multi-sectoral integration for MHEWS development. By involving ministries and local actors, and clarifying institutional roles, the platform facilitated the efficient flow of disaster information to communities.
- Regional engagement: The national strategy’s emphasis on collaboration has reinforced Tajikistan’s role in regional efforts to strengthen early warning systems, notably through joint advocacy with neighbouring Central Asian states.
- Risk assessment and climate resilience: The strategy guided the design of a national risk assessment methodology, helping identify emerging hazards and climate risks and informing the prioritization of investments under the MHEWS road map.
- Strategic foundation: The DRR strategy served as a critical policy anchor, providing coordination, direction and technical underpinnings for a scalable and sustainable early warning system.
Lessons learned for replication or adaptation
- DRR strategies as enablers: National strategies provide a solid foundation for the development and expansion of early warning systems. Alignment with international targets, such as the Sendai Framework’s Target G, supports a coherent, structured approach.
- Political leadership is critical: High-level commitment, exemplified by the appointment of a Deputy Prime Minister as EW4All focal point, helps accelerate implementation and secure long-term investment.
- Integrated coordination mechanisms: Multistakeholder platforms-such as Tajikistan’s National Platform-enhance coordination across government levels and sectors, improving the timeliness and relevance of early warnings.
- Regional cooperation enhances resilience: Tajikistan’s joint action with Central Asian neighbours demonstrates the value of coordinated responses and shared data to tackle transboundary risks more effectively.
- Data-driven planning supports adaptability: National risk assessments allow for a better understanding of evolving hazards, enabling targeted investments and improving the effectiveness of early warning systems.
By leveraging its national DRR strategy, fostering political commitment, and investing in coordination and regional collaboration, Tajikistan has established a comprehensive and sustainable model for strengthening early warning systems. This approach not only enhances national disaster preparedness but also contributes to regional resilience against shared hazards.