Cairo, Dec. 18 (SANA) Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Raed al -Saleh, accompanied by a delegation, took part in the First Arab Regional Forum on Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness, held under the slogan “Together for Better Coordination and Effective Response.”
The forum opened Wednesday at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, with the participation of high level delegations from Arab states, regional and international organizations, and UN agencies.
It aims to enhance coordination, avoid duplication, and maximise synergy across various fields of work, while benefiting from expertise in governance, technology, climate monitoring, and humanitarian response, and mobilising resources for sustainable and inclusive early warning solutions.
In his speech at the forum, Minister Al Saleh stressed that disaster preparedness is no longer a deferred option but an urgent necessity requiring a fundamental shift in mindset, from responding after disasters occur to adopting proactive preparedness and early warning approaches. He described the forum as a first step toward an integrated Arab system for early warning and disaster readiness that protects lives and strengthens security and stability.
For his part, Deputy Minister Dr Ahmad Qaziz spoke during a session titled “Early Warning Systems in the Arab Region: Reality and Future,” where he presented the Ministry’s experiences in crisis and disaster management and outlined its vision and plans for the coming period.
Over two days, the forum discusses key issues related to strengthening the effectiveness of early warning systems, improving technical links between warning and response, and examining the role of technology, communications, and sustainable financing in building Arab capacities to confront the increasing frequency and intensity of natural and non-natural disasters in the region.
In his speech at the forum, Minister al- Saleh stressed that disaster preparedness is no longer a deferred option but an urgent necessity requiring a fundamental shift in mindset, from responding after disasters occur to adopting proactive preparedness and early warning approaches. He described the forum as a first step toward an integrated Arab system for early warning and disaster readiness that protects lives and strengthens security and stability.
Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, Ambassador Khaled bin Mohammed al Manzlawi, stated in his opening remarks that the forum represents a high level Arab platform for exchanging expertise, enhancing coordination among Arab states and partners, and shaping a shared regional vision aligned with international initiatives. He highlighted the pivotal role of the Arab League through the “Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2030.”
The forum is held in partnership with several international bodies, including the International Telecommunication Union, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the World Meteorological Organization, and the World Food Programme, along with specialized Arab regional organizations and centers.
MHD
