Policy Frameworks for Early Warning Systems (EWS)

Early warning systems (EWS) are one of the most effective tools for reducing disaster risk, helping communities anticipate hazards, take protective action and minimise loss of life and livelihoods. As countries increasingly adopt mobile-enabled alerting technologies, clear policy and regulatory frameworks are essential to ensure that governments, regulators, mobile network operators and other stakeholders can work together effectively.

This report from the GSMA Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation programme examines how different countries have designed and implemented the policy frameworks that underpin their mobile-enabled early warning systems. Drawing on case studies from Argentina, Madagascar, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru and the Philippines, it explores the institutional, regulatory, technical and financing arrangements that support effective alerting, and highlights key considerations for countries seeking to strengthen or establish national EWS.