Geneva, Switzerland – In support of strengthening capacities for assessing, reviewing, and improving the performance of Early Warning Systems, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have launched the “After-Event Review (AER) of Early Warning Systems: Concept, Methodology and Application” online course.
Why After-Event Reviews Matter
As disaster risks become increasingly complex, organizations must continually assess whether their Early Warning Systems are reaching the right people, at the right time, with actionable information. Understanding what worked, what did not, and why is essential to reducing losses and protecting communities. AERs provide a structured process for examining how Early Warning Systems performed during a hazardous event, enabling stakeholders to identify strengths, challenges, and lessons learned.
By promoting reflection, evidence-based analysis, and stakeholder engagement, AERs help transform experience into actionable recommendations that support the continuous improvement of Early Warning Systems. The course builds on the Methodological Guidance for Conducting After-Event Reviews of Early Warning Systems , translating key concepts and processes into an accessible learning experience for practitioners and decision makers.
About the course
The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts, principles, and practical application of AERs. Through three interactive modules, learners are guided through the stages of planning, conducting, validating, and reporting an AER process, while exploring the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in reviewing Early Warning Systems.
Participants will also gain an understanding of how AERs contribute to institutional learning, stronger coordination, and more effective preparedness and response efforts across different hazard contexts. Learners will leave the course with practical knowledge that can be applied to support a more effective review process and strengthen the performance of Early Warning Systems within their own organizations.
The online course is fully self-paced and designed to accommodate working professionals. The learning experience combines practical examples, knowledge checks, scenario-based exercises, and supplementary resources to support the application of learning in real-world contexts.
Participants who successfully complete all course requirements will receive a certificate of completion.
Who Should Enrol?
The course is intended for a global audience, including government officials, disaster management authorities, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, emergency management professionals, United Nations personnel, and other stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction and Early Warning Systems.
The course is available through UNITAR’s online learning platform. Professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of After-Event Reviews and enhance the effectiveness of Early Warning Systems are encouraged to enrol.
