Third International Conference on Early Warning

The Third International on Early Warning will be hosted by Germany under the auspices of the United Nations in Bonn, Germany from 27 to 29 March 2006.

Through the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster in December 2004, the world was reminded of the crucial importance of efficient early warning systems. Early warning and preparedness are the critical elements in preventing hazardous events from turning into disasters. Clear warnings, received in time, coupled with the knowledge of how to react, can make the difference between life and death, between economic survival and ruin, for individuals and for communities.

The conference should attract the interest of Governments, Parliaments, International Organisations, practitioners, experts in early warning and disaster risk, and the scientific community. It follows the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) in Kobe, Japan in January 2005, and will focus on the promotion of selected practical early warning projects. The UN Secretary-General has called for warning systems to cover all countries and all hazards. The subtitle of EWC III is From Concept to Action reflecting implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action agreed in Kobe.