The technology dividend for Earth Intelligence in action: Joint blog for IDDRR 2025

Every year on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), there's a renewed push to shift from reacting to crises toward preventing them. This year’s theme – “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters” – underscores the technology dividend: When we invest in early warning and preparedness, the returns compound over time in lives saved, livelihoods protected, and the avoided costs of relief and reconstruction that can push countries further into debt.

I had the privilege of co-authoring a blog with five incredible colleagues from UNDP, WMO, UNDRR, and ITU, reflecting on this year’s theme and our shared journey in advancing innovative, inclusive early warning systems.

Together, we've organised two key global events on harnessing technologies and innovation for early warnings and preparedness: one at Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW) 2025 and another during the first Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Multi-Stakeholder Forum. There, we explored how cutting-edge solutions, from AI-powered early warning systems to community-led heat exposure mapping, are transforming resilience on the ground. The joint blog features inspiring examples, including GEOGLAM’s Crop Monitor for Early Warning in Malawi and Uganda, which has protected farmers and supported disaster risk financing through timely, actionable information.

Read the full blog at UNDP website to discover how the technology dividend – strategic investment in early warning and preparedness – pays off by protecting communities, preventing losses, and driving a more resilient future.