The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) collaborated with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the UNDRR Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction, GNDR) to address the institutionalization of user engagement in forecasts and warnings. This initiative aims to support early actions by governments, NGOs, private sector, and humanitarian actors at all levels. The discussion occurred during the "Forecasts, warnings and user engagement" session at the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) for Asia Pacific, part of the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 in Manila, Philippines. This session facilitated dialogue between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) representatives and end-user groups in the Asia Pacific region. They explored ways to engage diverse users and tailor warning messages effectively. Additionally, they examined how regional and global partners can support forecasting, warning dissemination, and user engagement to mitigate climate and disaster risks.

Dr. Senaka Basnayake (ADPC) and Ms. Helen Caughey (UK Met Office) co-moderated the session. Government and non-governmental representatives from various countries shared their experiences which are Mr. Ahmadul Haque (Cyclone Preparedness Programme) and Mr. Md. Abdul Alim (ActionAid) from Bangladesh, Mr. Karma Dupchu (National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology) from Bhutan, Ms. Tepola Rabuli (Pacific Disability Forum) from Fiji, Ms. Munguntuya Sharavnyambuu (Mongolian Red Cross Society) from Mongolia, Mr. Lorenzo Moron (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) and Mr. Dann Diez (Sustainable Energy and Enterprise Development Committee) from the Philippines, and Ms. Molly Nielsen (Disaster Management Office).

Key takeaways from the session include the importance of whole-society engagement for actionable early warnings, collaboration among global, regional, and local partners in supporting the warning process, need to institutionalize impact-based forecasting and warning for improved anticipatory action and the importance of improving engagement with end-user groups to enhance community resilience.