When Cyclone Kina struck Fiji during his childhood, Mohseen Riaz-Ud-Dean faced the harsh realities of living in a vulnerable island nation. The experience of seeing his home underwater instilled in him a profound understanding of the importance of disaster preparedness. Now a programme analyst with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Multi-Country Office, Mohseen advocates for robust early warning systems to help Pacific nations anticipate and respond to climate-related hazards.
In 2024, Mohseen participated in the UNITAR Rapid Response to Climate Crises Through Early Warning Systems Training Programme, funded by the Government of Japan. This initiative inspired him to adapt Japanese early warning solutions to the unique contexts of the Pacific Islands, emphasizing the significance of collaboration and community-based disaster risk management.
Building Capacity for Climate Resilience
The Pacific Islands are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels, intensified cyclones, and flooding. “We face an existential threat of climate change,” Mohseen states, highlighting the need for proactive measures. While national disaster risk management offices and meteorological services are working on early warning systems, reaching remote communities remains a significant challenge. Mohseen believes that enhancing resilience requires not only technological solutions but also the empowerment of local communities.
Mohseen discovered the UNITAR training programme through a colleague’s social media post. Intrigued by its focus on theory, practical application, and international cooperation, he joined over 200 participants from across the Pacific in a comprehensive online learning phase. This initiative, running from July to November 2024, trained individuals and communities to effectively disseminate, monitor, and respond to early warning signals for climate-related hazards.
The first phase of the programme emphasized collaboration and timely communication, allowing participants to engage with interactive content at their own pace. Following this, around 30 top learners, including Mohseen, were selected for an in-person workshop in Japan, where they visited disaster management centres and developed actionable plans for implementing early warning systems in their countries.
Community-Centered Approaches to Disaster Management
The workshop provided Mohseen with invaluable insights into Japan’s commitment to continuous improvement in disaster preparedness. “What is good today can be made better tomorrow,” he reflects, inspired by Japan’s approach to stakeholder collaboration in disaster management.
Back in Fiji, Mohseen applied lessons learned by integrating community-based disaster management concepts into a large-scale early warning systems project covering seven countries. He emphasizes that solutions must originate from those who live closest to the issues, as they are the ones most affected by disasters. Mohseen’s role focuses on understanding the unique challenges faced by these communities and devising tailored solutions that align with national objectives.
Mohseen plans to continue fostering capacity development, community resilience, and policy alignment throughout the region. He acknowledges the limitations of human and financial resources in the Pacific and aims to assist countries in accessing climate finance and technical support for strengthening their early warning systems.
Looking ahead, Mohseen envisions a Pacific where every nation is equipped to anticipate disasters effectively. He expresses gratitude to UNITAR and the Government of Japan for nurturing a network of Pacific pioneers dedicated to building resilience. “We are now better positioned as pioneers of early warning systems,” he asserts, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and local knowledge.
As he encourages fellow practitioners to collaborate across sectors and countries, Mohseen’s vision remains clear: a safer Pacific, ready to face the challenges of climate change together.
