The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) showcased four (4) national decision support systems (DSSs) in the recently concluded Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CARE) for South Asia Regional Workshop, which was held on October 19-21, 2022 at the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok, Thailand.
The demonstration of 4 DSSs being developed by RIMES under the World Bank-supported CARE for South Asia project took place in the afternoon of October 20, following a workshop on the Regional Resilience Data and Analytics Services (RDAS) that morning under the event “Workshop on RDAS and DSSs: User-Directed Development”. Among the decision support systems presented were:
The occasion provided an opportunity for participants comprised of key decision-makers from CARE for South Asia focus countries, namely Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, as well as representatives from other countries in the region to get a closer look into the design and development processes behind the DSSs.
These presentations were followed by country- and sector-specific breakout group discussions on the DSSs, which enabled RIMES to address lingering RDAS- or DSS-related queries from stakeholders and engage them in refining their requirements for DSSs experimental information products.
Another highlight of the event was the launch of the RDAS and DSS Communities of Practice. These are specialized groups of regional stakeholders for RDAS and country stakeholders for the DSSs that shall catalyze a more collaborative exchange of expertise, experiences, and ideas for directing the full development of the RDAS and DSSs. These communities are envisioned to play an important role as they help co-create the systems and are expected to continue meeting regularly and expand further following the regional workshop.
Ms. Ruby Rose Policarpio, CARE for South Asia Component 1 Project Director, wrapped up the day’s discussions by highlighting key takeaways and expressing gratitude to the participants, while Mr. A.R. Subbiah, Director of RIMES, delivered the closing remarks that officially concluded the event.
In his speech, Mr. Subbiah highlighted the following main points, among others: the urgency of coming up with operational systems that can already be used by stakeholder institutions and communities; the need for integration and closer collaboration among the participating agencies; and a more proactive approach among stakeholders.