Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 11:00 – 12:30 (UTC+4, Baku time)
Location: Azerbaijani Pavilion, Baku Olympic Stadium — Baku, Azerbaijan
WUF13 Azerbaijani Pavilion Event | Hosted by Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, Republic of Azerbaijan, with UNEP and IPCC
About the Event
Climate change is exacerbating extreme events, floods, storms, heatwaves, and landslides in cities worldwide. The IPCC AR6 report warns of escalating climate vulnerabilities in rapidly expanding informal settlements and urban areas, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Without multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWs), cities face repeated damage and reconstruction cycles. Providing just 24 hours’ notice of a hazard event could reduce damage by up to 30%. This event presents a clear vision of how early warning systems (EWS) enable decision-makers to take informed, scientifically grounded, and lifesaving actions during extreme weather events, aligning with UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative, which aims to ensure everyone is protected from hazardous weather, water, and climate events by 2027.
Azerbaijan is facing increasing climate-induced vulnerability and more frequent extreme weather events impacting urban infrastructure. In response, the country is implementing the Strengthening Climate Information and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for Increased Resilience in Azerbaijan project, supported by UNEP and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The event will bring together partner organisations and stakeholders — including high-level representatives, to highlight expected outcomes and promote an inclusive, integrated approach to early warning in cities.
The event will also discuss the current status of scientific evidence, including the ongoing IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities, a key scientific reference under the UNFCCC framework. It will highlight the effectiveness of MHEWs in supporting the Paris Agreement and national climate policies, and demonstrate the transformative potential of cities in advancing climate resilience through nature-based approaches, ecosystem-based adaptation, and science-based governance.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the event, please contact cecilia.consalvo@un.org.
