The UN Armenia Resident Coordinator Francoise Jacob’s Speech at the EW4All Validation Workshop

Good morning. It is a pleasure to welcome you all to this National Roadmap Validation Workshop for Early Warning for All in Armenia.

As the UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia, I want to begin by recognizing the strong leadership of the Government - particularly the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Environment - for driving forward this important national effort. I also thank our EW4All pillar leads - UNDRR, WMO, ITU, and IFRC - as well as UNDP and the Armenian Red Cross Society, for the depth of partnership that has brought us to this moment.

Early warning systems are among the most proven and cost effective tools we have for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. Global evidence shows they offer a tenfold return on investment, and, most importantly, they save lives. Yet, as we all know, gaps persist - globally and here in Armenia - especially in converting early warnings into early action.

This is precisely why the UN Secretary General launched the Early Warnings for All initiative in 2022, calling for universal protection by 2027. Armenia has embraced this ambition with seriousness and vision. Over the past year, national partners, technical agencies, civil society and development organizations have come together to undertake a comprehensive national self assessment, gathering insights across all four EW4All pillars. This process - supported by UN agencies, the Red Cross, and development partners—has produced the strongest baseline Armenia has ever had on the state of its early warning system.

Today, we take the next step: validating a costed, government owned national roadmap that will translate those identified gaps into prioritized actions, responsible institutions, investments, and a realistic timeline. This roadmap is not just a technical document. It is a strategic tool to support Armenia’s new Law on Disaster Risk Management and Protection of the Population, and a key step toward building a multi hazard, people centred early warning system that reaches everyone - especially the most vulnerable.

As we validate this roadmap, I encourage us to keep three priorities in mind:

First, shared vision and coordination.

Early warning systems only work when institutions work together seamlessly - across risk knowledge, hazard monitoring and forecasting, communication channels, and preparedness capacities. Today is an opportunity to reaffirm these roles and strengthen the inter institutional mechanisms that have already taken shape.

Second, sustainable financing.

Building a modern, integrated early warning system is an investment in Armenia’s security, economic stability, and climate resilience. Clarifying the financing landscape - public, private, and from development partners—will be essential to move this roadmap from planning to implementation.

Third, partnerships that deliver.

The EW4All initiative in Armenia has already shown the value of strong, trust based collaboration - among national institutions, UN agencies, the Armenian Red Cross, technical partners, and donors. The roadmap will guide us in aligning these efforts to avoid fragmentation and maximize impact.

Allow me also to thank all colleagues who contributed to drafting and refining this roadmap, including those who have worked intensively over the past weeks to finalize materials, coordinate consultations, and prepare for today’s meeting. Your commitment has been crucial.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Armenia is at an important juncture. The climate risks facing the country - from floods to droughts, heatwaves, and windstorms - are increasing. But so too is Armenia’s readiness to address them. With this roadmap, Armenia can accelerate the transition from fragmented, hazard specific systems to a fully integrated national early warning system, aligned with international standards and tailored to local needs.

I encourage all of us to engage openly, provide constructive feedback, and ensure that the final roadmap is both ambitious and practical, reflecting the collective vision of Armenia’s institutions and partners.

Thank you.