Suriname has taken significant strides toward establishing a robust legal foundation for its National Coordination Center for Disaster Management (NCCR) during high-level consultations with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The meeting, attended by National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin, focused on addressing policy challenges and advancing the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
Chairman Adhin expressed strong parliamentary support for formalizing the NCCR’s legal status, emphasizing that clear legislative backing is essential for enhancing the center’s operational effectiveness and strengthening national disaster response capabilities. The discussion identified legal institutionalization as critical for improving disaster risk management throughout Suriname.
The EW4All initiative, a cornerstone of the dialogue, aims to establish a comprehensive Multi-Hazard Early Warning System designed to protect Suriname’s entire population. Adhin highlighted the system’s particular focus on climate and water-related risks, noting that such infrastructure would significantly improve societal preparedness for environmental emergencies.
This ambitious warning system project receives funding through the EUCARES program and involves collaboration with multiple international organizations including UNDRR, the World Meteorological Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The meeting represents a pivotal advancement in both institutional strengthening and cross-sector cooperation for early warning mechanisms in Suriname. Participants from the NCCR included Colonel Jerry Slijngard and Dulci Duurham, while Gillian Babb represented UNDRR during the strategic discussions.