Remembering Dr Pablo Suarez: a brilliant mind and a wonderful friend of the anticipatory action community

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Dr Pablo Suarez. As we grieve such a huge loss, we remember his life and the indelible mark that he has left on this world.

When Pablo joined the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in 2005, he not only brought his research expertise but also his passion and curiosity to solving some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges. In 2012, Pablo and Dr Thorsten Klose-Zuber from the German Red Cross sat at an Oktoberfest event in Lima on the fringes of climate policy dialogues and debates at COP20. They brainstormed and sketched some ideas on a napkin about a mechanism that could automatically release funding and other resources to the most vulnerable ahead of disasters based on risk analysis and weather forecasts. Two years later, pilot projects were developed in Togo and Uganda by Red Cross Red Crescent partners. In 2018, IFRC launched the forecast-based action by the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF). Currently called the anticipatory action pillar of the DREF, the mechanism provides access to funding for all National Red Cross Red Crescent Societies worldwide to act ahead of disasters. Today, anticipatory actions have been developed in more than 70  countries with the support of more than 100+ organizations. It continues to protect millions of people worldwide from predictable crises.

Pablo has undoubtedly played a pioneering role in the technical development of anticipatory action. But even more so, he has been fundamental in getting more people and organisations across sectors to support the concept. His tall stature and the contrast of his colourful checkered shirt among men in dark suits made him easy to spot even in large auditoriums. However, the sparks of his vast yet humble intelligence, humour, and ability to connect with all kinds of people were the qualities that made him an unforgettable force.

At the Anticipation Hub, Pablo has played a significant role in advancing advocacy and learning globally. Whether through his engagement in high-level policy dialogues or his use of games and arts to communicate risk at the Dialogue Platforms on Anticipatory Action, Pablo taught us that joy and play are not only acceptable in our work; they are the essential enablers for doing good. Through science and research, Pablo has demonstrated to us that “fun” can be functional. Thanks to Pablo’s tireless co-creation spirit, the anticipatory action community continues to expand beyond a growing group of scientists, practitioners and policymakers to include actuaries, acrobat artists, cartoonists, musicians and many other “unusual suspects”. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Pablo was known for his warm hugs, kindness, and unwavering optimism. He touched the lives of many with his generosity and infectious enthusiasm, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a moment of laughter. His colleagues, friends, and the communities he served will remember him not only as a brilliant mind but also as a dear friend and mentor. Our thoughts go to Janot Mendler de Suarez, the Climate Centre team and everyone whose lives have been illuminated by Pablo’s time on Earth.

As we reflect on Pablo's legacy, we are reminded of the importance of our collective responsibilities to protect those at risk from disasters and the impacts of climate change. His life's work serves as a testament to what can be achieved when we combine knowledge, creativity, empathy and humanity in our efforts to build a safer, more resilient future.

In gratitude and remembrance, we celebrate the life of Dr Pablo Suarez—a true pioneer, a compassionate leader, and an inspiration to us all.

Written by Kara Devonna Siahaan