Growing with Confidence

Programme highlights

With 19 programmes were underway in 2024, progress has taken on different forms according to the phase that programmes are in. Highlights from 2024 include:

New programme proposals initiated

Supported by their respective Implementing Partners, approval was granted to develop new programme proposals for:

• West Africa Phase 3
• Benin
• Dominican Republic

New proposals under development

• South Asia Sub-regional
• Pacific SIDS Phase 3
• Pacific Drought
• Southeast Asia Sub-regional Project (Cambodia and Lao)

New programmes starting

• CREWS approved more than USD 21 million in new financing decisions during 2024:
  Caribbean Phase 2 (USD 7 million)
• EW4All Accelerator project (USD 5.5 million)
• CREWS Djibouti (USD 3.5 million)
• CREWS Niger Phase 2 was approved (USD 3.9 million, leveraging USD 1 million from the European Commission ACP/ EDF funds)
• Accelerated Support Window actions were approved for
  • Guinea Conakry (USD 250,000)
  • Timor Leste (USD 250,000)
  • Gambia (USD 247,500), Belize (USD 250,000) and Democratic Republic of Congo (USD 250,000)

Furthermore, 7 countries have initiated the preparation of GCF Simplified Approval Process (SAP) applications of up to USD 25 million each by using the new GCF/SAP-CREWS Scaling-up Framework on Early Warning: Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Togo, Haiti, Cambodia, Lao PDR and Fiji. Of these, Togo has led the way, submitting their application to the GCF in January 2025. (See also Feature: GCF Simplified Approval Process (SAP)-CREWS Scaling Up Framework)

Existing programmes drawing to a close

In 2024, 3 programmes entered their final stage: CREWS Burkina Faso, CREWS West Africa and CREWS Pacific SIDS 2.0. In addition, 3 Accelerated Support Window actions were completed in 2024 (Benin, Maldives and Tonga). Highlights from these programmes are featured later in this report (see Feature: Accelerated Support Window).

In addition to the examples in this and previous Annual Reports, a series of impact stories are available on the CREWS website, with more being added throughout the year: https://crews-initiative.org/measuring-impact/

Portfolio highlights

Whilst the programmes focus on delivery on the ground, there have been numerous developments at the portfolio level which set a strong foundation for future growth, including initial groundwork and consultations for the CREWS 2030 Strategy and Operational Plan.

Portfolio-level highlights from 2024 include the launch of a new website (in June) which is structured around the CREWS value proposition with easier access to project information and a dashboard for monitoring Accelerated Support Window actions. 2024 also saw the publication of flagship reports including the CREWS Annual Report 2023 and UN reports on the Status of MHEWS both globally and in LDCs which both showcased CREWS programmes. Meanwhile, there were also developments in terms of guidance, cooperation mechanisms and financial arrangements.

Guidance
MEAL Framework: In 2024, the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework was revised and strengthened to become a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Framework (see Feature: Reporting with confidence).

Mechanisms for cooperation
A range of mechanisms have been set up to enable cooperation with and across the initiative. For example, CREWS is increasing its services to countries by inviting the IFRC and ITU to become CREWS Implementing Partners (see Feature: Expanding with confidence).

CREWS also continues to engage with other initiatives and programmes which are aligned with its goal. Key examples include the Global Shield against Climate Risks, the European Union’s Team Europe Initiative, the Systematic Observations Financing Facility and the Alliance for Hydromet Development, which CREWS has recently joined (see also Promotes coherence: Aligning and adding value).

Through the work of its programmes, CREWS has demonstrated the value of twinning between National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) as a mechanism for providing technical assistance and building institutional capacity in LDCs and SIDS. It is also actively engaging with advanced NMHS to increase access to technical support for CREWS operations. So far, CREWS has had discussions with the NMHSs of Finland, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

In addition, in 2024, CREWS established a platform for practitioners to share learning and best practices with the aim of enhancing CREWS operations. Topics from the first meetings of the CREWS Operational Coordination Group (OCG) included the CREWS 2030 Strategy and the role of Regional Institutions as well as updates on both operational and financial issues.

Financial arrangements
In 2024, the criteria of eligible actions under the Accelerated Support Window were expanded to allow programme preparation support and additional funds were ring-fenced. The newest permitted action is especially important for countries who have significant gaps in early warning systems yet may struggle to develop programme proposals for submission to CREWS due to limited technical or human capacity.
Meanwhile, the GCF/ SAP-CREWS Scaling Up Framework continues to provide fast-track access to GCF funding for countries with ongoing or recently completed CREWS programmes. Togo is leading the way and expected to submit its proposal in January 2025. (See also Multiplier: Leveraging resources for maximum impact).

Feature: Reporting with confidence

In 2024, a new CREWS Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Framework was adopted.

In the new framework, the overall success of programmes, and the portfolio as a whole, is measured in terms of wider socio-economic benefits i.e. the reduction of lives and livelihoods lost to extreme climate events and the number of people living in the areas covered by the early warning services with access to, and receiving, such services.

At the heart of the framework lies the CREWS Theory of Change where the outputs and outcomes of the individual programmes all contribute to achieving the initiative’s goal:

“Strengthened resilience to climate shocks and loss and damage averted minimized, and addressed through increased availability and improved access to multi-hazard early warning systems by 2030.”

To support the roll out of the new MEAL Framework, the Secretariat conducted a series of training events in 2024, with more than 50 project managers from both implementing and operational partners. The Secretariat is also providing guidance, especially for Implementing Partners that do not have an M&E Specialist.
All new programme proposals are required to align with the new MEAL framework and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans are now mandatory. In addition, programmes are required to submit logical frameworks (aligned with the Theory of Change) and results-based budgets for each financing decision. Wherever possible, indicators are disaggregated by gender so as to account for the number of services developed that have a gender-responsive lens.

With the MEAL framework coming into operation in 2024, this is the first year that all CREWS programmes – new and pre-existing – have reported using the same indicators¹, enabling the systematic collection of quantitative data across the initiative. The data collected in this first year –also serves as a baseline from which future progress can be measured. Data relating to the minimum set of core indicators is especially important for measuring the success of CREWS investments and is presented in Appendix A, an extended version of which is available online (Appendix A. CREWS Operation in 2024). In Appendix B, the Core Indicators are mapped to the CREWS Goal and Outcomes.

In addition to quantitative data, the Status Reports encourage implementing partners to share qualitative information about their programmes as well as links to deliverables (e.g. reports, websites, tools) and communications. The Status Reports have therefore also been the initial source of the programme highlights from 2024 which are featured in this report. These reports are available on the CREWS website.

Work is already underway to develop the CREWS M&E online results tracking system. Training and capacity building relating to the MEAL framework will also continue to ensure that CREWS can report its performance with confidence.

1. The CREWS Results Framework is set out in Annex 3 of OPN2 and replicated at Appendix B. CREWS metrics and indicators.

Feature: Expanding with confidence

In October 2024, the CREWS Steering Committee adopted a new Accreditation Framework for Implementing Partners. The Accreditation Framework sets out the criteria, accountability measures and decision-making processes that are required for an applicant to be accredited as an Implementing Partner for the CREWS Initiative.

Implementing Partners are the mechanism through which CREWS delivers its portfolio, with Implementing Partners working with countries and regional organizations to design and deliver interventions which contribute to achievement of the CREWS objective.

To date, there have been three Implementing Partners: the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the World Bank through its Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. Two of the existing Implementing Partners (UNDRR and WMO) are also pillar leads within the EW4All initiative ¹. Given the synergy between the CREWS objective and the goal of EW4All, the CREWS Steering Committee recognised the benefit of considering as future Implementing Partners the two remaining EW4All Pillar Leads, namely the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Cross Societies (IFRC). Thus, the Accreditation Framework has been developed to provide a formal mechanism for these organisations to apply to become CREWS Implementing Partners.

All invited applicants must complete the four-stage accreditation process which ensures that the Steering Committee is comfortable using an Implementing Partner’s policies and procedures for implementing CREWS Initiative programmes, including the administration of funds received from the CREWS Trust Fund.

At the time of writing, both the ITU and the IFRC have been invited to apply to become Implementing Partners and the applications that they have submitted are being processed. In addition to progressing these applications, next steps include a review of existing CREWS Operational Procedure Notes to identify any modifications required to accommodate an increased number of Implementing Partners.

1. The 4 EW4All initiative comprises 4 pillars: Pillar 1. Disaster risk knowledge, led by the UNDRR; Pillar 2. Pillar 2: Detection, observations, monitoring, analysis and forecasting of hazards, led by the WMO; Pillar 3: Warning dissemination and communication, led by the ITU; and Pillar 4: Preparedness to respond, led by the IFRC.

Feature: Accelerated Support Window

Eight new Accelerated Support Window actions were underway in 2024 bringing the overall total to 12, with 3 completed in 2024 and the work in Mozambique completed prior to 2024.

Here we highlight the outputs from the actions which completed in 2024.

ASW Action: Benin
The action focused on the provision of analyses and advice relating to hydromet services and early warning systems in Benin. Key outputs delivered through the action were:

• A diagnostic report on the multi-risk early warning system in Benin
• A Roadmap and Investment plan for an effective multi-risk early warning system
• A capacity building plan providing an analysis of needs and a 2-step action plan covering knowledge sharing and training.

The strategic steps needed to modernize hydrometeorological products and services in Benin are primarily driven by the needs of the user community. The intervention has encouraged government ownership and financial commitment to build, operate and maintain the EWS, with sufficient budgets for all key stakeholders and supported by a good network of local teams and focal points.

ASW Action: Maldives
Risk knowledge was the focus of the action in the Maldives. UNDRR initiated engagement with the National Disaster Management Authority for the Maldives to help improve the collection, management and use of risk data, which was highly fragmented across multiple entities.

Key outcomes were: enhancing understanding of the status of risk knowledge and related tools in Maldives; and strengthening disaster data collection mechanisms, including the rollout of a new tracking system for loss and damage caused by hazardous events.

ASW Action: Tonga
With 92% mobile coverage in Tonga, the action focused on the development of the Weather Tonga App. A public awareness campaign accompanied the launch of the app in August 2024 at the Pacific Leaders’ Summit.

Tonga Met Service consulted with multiple sectors, users and communities to understand their specific needs. The participatory approach continued throughout the development of the application with adjustments made to the app to ensure that it was fit for purpose. Key lessons learnt included the time required to iteratively develop the application and to resolve technical aspects of hosting the app.

ASW Dashboard
In 2024, a dashboard for the Accelerated Support Window was launched. It provides an overview of the status of these interventions.

WMO and its Members are navigating unprecedented challenges as they work to protect lives and livelihoods from the escalating risks of extreme weather and climate. In this decisive moment for global climate action, the role of national meteorological and hydrological services has never been more critical. The CREWS Initiative continues to demonstrate its value as a trusted mechanism to advance the Early Warnings for All initiative, particularly in countries and regions most vulnerable to climate impacts. Ensuring predictable and adequate financing for CREWS is essential to expand the reach of these life-saving systems—so that no one is left behind.”

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization

As disaster risks become more complex, and when our collective action to achieve the Sendai Framework targets become even more important, we rely on delivery mechanisms such as CREWS to bridge the early warning capacity gap in LDCs and SIDS. UNDRR is proud to be an implementing partner of CREWS to we work together with diverse partners to reduce the loss of lives and livelihoods to extreme events.”

Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction

The World Bank is committed to helping client countries build resilience to weather and climate risks, including through support for multi-hazard early warning systems. Our partnership with CREWS is key to this effort, providing technical assistance that complements government-led investments to ensure systems are effective, sustainable, and tailored to local needs.”

Ming Zhang, Global Director, Urban, Resilience and Land Global Department, World Bank