The 2nd Southern Africa Dialogue Platform began on 13 August 2024, with around 155 people gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Committing to collaboration and harmonization
The 2nd Southern Africa Dialogue Platform on Anticipatory Humanitarian Action commenced on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, with approximately 155 participants gathering in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The central theme of this year’s platform was 'El Niño insight: southern Africa anticipation after action review' and, during the opening session, Dr Patrice Talla, the FAO's subregional coordinator for southern Africa and representing the Regional Anticipatory Action Working Group, highlighted the significance of the event. Other speakers recognized the region’s achievements over the past few years and emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in advancing and scaling up anticipatory action.
We must foster the humanitarian system more effectively by shifting from response to anticipation.
The work of the Southern Africa Regional Anticipatory Action Working Group and the Anticipation Hub is so important, and why occasions such as the dialogue platforms and discussions among governments, donors and humanitarian actors are crucial. Germany is happy and has remained committed to supporting the work of the Anticipation Hub since its creation in 2019. We invite everyone to join the Hub and the Regional Anticipatory Action Working Group, and to use these platforms for close collaboration, building on each stakeholder’s strengths.
Reflecting on the El Niño anticipation after-action review
On the first day, government representatives from Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe provided an overview of the El Niño anticipatory action activations in their countries. They discussed both the challenges and the successes, underscoring the critical need for collaboration among agencies, organizations and governments.
Moving forwards and preparing for the future
The second day featured technical expert sessions on early warnings, anticipatory action, financing and innovation. These topics were explored in-depth during four breakout sessions, where various stakeholders analysed challenges and opportunities, culminating in the development of joint messages and commitments.
The third and final day saw high-level participants from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Member States, donors and agencies in attendance. During the SADC Member States panel discussion, strategic priorities for institutionalized systems for anticipatory action were deliberated. Representatives shared their experiences from the last El Niño activations and outlined their preparedness plans for La Niña. Following this, high-level representatives – from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Meteorological Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societes (IFRC) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs – reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up anticipatory action and enhancing collaboration.
Another highlight of the final day was the announcement by Marcia Toledo Sotillo, adaptation and resilience director and high-level climate champion, of the selection of the Regional Anticipatory Action Working Group as a partner initiative in the global 'Race to Resilience' campaign.
The 2nd Southern Africa Dialogue Platform was hosted by the Anticipation Hub, an initiative of the German Red Cross, IFRC and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre. Co-organizers included SADC, FAO and the World Food Programme. Financial support was provided by the German Federal Foreign Office and the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.