• Three UNITAR alumni, Ms. Rachel Nunn, Mr. Branson Pitakia, and Mr. Alex Rilifia, contributed to the national initiative of developing an inclusive early warning system (EWS) in the Solomon Islands.
• The EWS technology delivers instant alerts to all mobile users without the need for internet or phone numbers.
• Their contributions exemplify a tangible outcome of the UNITAR “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” programme (2024–2025), funded by the Government and People of Japan.

This game-changing technology delivers rapid, secure emergency alerts to all mobile users without requiring phone numbers or internet access, ensuring privacy, visibility, and reliability in preparedness and response situations. 

The national initiative is led by the GSM Association (GSMA) and Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) in close coordination with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) under Pillar 3 - Warning Dissemination and Communication of the Early Warning for All Initiative. 

This technology has many applications ranging from alerting use for natural hazards, disease outbreaks, infrastructure damage, and major traffic accidents, to name a few. Working closely with key national stakeholders, including the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), Meteorological Service, Government ICT Services, and mobile network operators (MNOs) ensures a stronger coordinated approach to national disaster risk reduction efforts.

This launch embodies what it means to translate the UNITAR training programme and peer-to-peer learning into action and ensure that remote and vulnerable communities are not left behind in times of crisis.

― Rachel Nunn, UNITAR Training Alumna (The Solomon Islands)

The Solomon Islands, an archipelago prone to severe seismic and weather events, often faces communication and coordination challenges when disasters strike. According to the team, this newly launched mobile cell-broadcast technology will allow alerting authorities to send real-time alerts to mobile phones, improving the speed and accuracy of information dissemination, emergency response, and risk reduction efforts.

The UNITAR Early Warning Systems programme helped tremendously to prepare me to contribute to the GSMA pilot project in the Solomon Islands. It enhanced my understanding of the fundamental principles behind effective early warning systems, while also highlighting the importance of community-focused approaches and inclusive communication. Additionally, the insights I gained into end-to-end alerting systems directly supported my role in developing and implementing practical solutions for the Solomon Islands.

The UNITAR EWS program has added much to my confidence and my contribution to effective disaster risk reduction and emergency communication efforts for the Solomon Islands.

–Alex Rilifia, UNITAR Alumnus (The Solomon Islands)

The UNITAR “Leave No One Behind: Rapid Response to Climate Crises through Early Warning Systems” brought together professionals from across the Pacific to build not only technical knowledge but also regional solidarity in the face of climate and disaster emergencies. Through this Japan-funded programme, participants gained a theoretical understanding of EWS and had hands-on training in early warning system design, stakeholder coordination, and community-based response planning across Japan.

We are seeing a tangible outcome of our capacity development and network-building efforts. This project reflects the essence of the Leave No One Behind commitment and showcases the leadership of Pacific Islanders in pioneering climate solutions for all.

said Junko Shimazu, Programme Officer at UNITAR.

This system in the Solomon Islands will undergo integration and operational testing, with a planned national test in late 2025, paving the way for regional deployment. The Cook Islands, Kiribati, and Samoa are next in line to strengthen their disaster preparedness using this technology.

Through offering cross-border learning experiences and fostering meaningful collaboration, UNITAR continues to empower individuals and organizations and to address shared challenges with a common vision of a more sustainable and prosperous world for all.