GENEVA – UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, in coordination with the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), today launched an initiative to develop an advanced global early warning and monitoring system. response to help humanitarian actors prepare and plan for emergency situations.

“As the world faces a growing number of complex humanitarian emergencies – driven by conflict, violence, natural hazards, climate change and other forces – the need for robust early warning systems to prepare and planning rapid and effective humanitarian responses has never been more crucial. ” said Kelly T. Clements, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees.

The new system, which uses the latest AI technology combined with Earth observation data, will help humanitarian actors, local authorities and local communities strengthen their preparedness and response by detecting and assessing the risks of events likely to trigger forced displacement, and to issue timely alerts. of an emergency.

“LIST is pleased to participate in this strategic collaboration with the United Nations Refugee Agency to develop an early warning system for emergency management. Our expertise in natural disaster management and our research results estimating the impact of climate variables on human mobility and infrastructure will help provide timely and actionable information to better anticipate and respond to critical situations,” said Lucien Hoffmann , scientific director of LIST.

This innovative project is financed with the generous support of the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. It will directly benefit displaced people by helping responders anticipate humanitarian needs, optimize procurement and resource mobilization, minimize response times and avoid duplication of humanitarian efforts.

The project launched today includes an initial 15-month rollout of the system in selected pilot countries, including early warning and travel forecasting as well as emergency preparedness. The second phase will integrate lessons learned from the deployment phase to build a global system.

The initiative is in line with the UN Secretary-General’s Prevention Agenda, as well as the Early Warning for All initiative, which aims to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from dangerous weather, water or climate events through early warning systems that save lives. end of 2027.

For more information, please contact:

About LIST

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a research and technology organization (RTO) placed under the aegis of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. Its mission is to develop prototypes of competitive, market-oriented products and services for the public and the public. private actors.

With nearly 710 collaborators, including 79.5% researchers or innovators from around the world, LIST is active in the fields of IT, materials, space resources and the environment, and operates across the entire the innovation chain, from fundamental research to applied research. to incubation and technology transfer.

By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, data and intelligent tools, LIST:

• helps European citizens make informed choices
• helps public authorities make decisions
• encourages businesses to grow

Visit the Website of the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology for more information.

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building better futures for people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution .

We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.

Our vision is of a world where everyone forced to flee can build a better future.

UNHCR was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1950 in the aftermath of World War II to help the millions of people who had lost their homes.

Today, UNHCR works in 136 countries. We provide lifesaving assistance, including shelter, food, water and medical care, to people forced to flee conflict and persecution, many of whom have no one left to turn. We defend their right to safety and help them find a home so they can rebuild their lives. In the long term, we work with countries to improve and monitor refugee and asylum laws and policies, ensuring respect for human rights.

In everything we do, UNHCR views refugees and those forced to flee as partners, placing those most affected at the center of planning and decision-making.