To foster an environment for more in-depth discussions around common challenges facing the Anticipatory Action (AA) and FbF communities, in September 2018 the Early Action Focus Task Force (EA FTF) of key stakeholders came together (FAO, IFRC, OCHA, START, WFP). The initial aim was to convene a smaller technical group to identify and discuss key AA/FbF issues and provide a platform for information sharing prior to HNPW 2019 where the group held a broader technical meeting and advocacy event. With a number of global initiatives gaining momentum (FbF, FAM, CERF AA, Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership), there is a pressing need to formalize the structure to ensure coherence and collaboration in advancing AA efforts.

Objectives

The EA FTF aims to:

• COHEREHCE and PARTNERSHIP Leverage partnerships to promote a coherent and coordinated approach to anticipatory action, at global, regional and national levels
• TECHNICAL EXPERTISE Ensure collective technical expertise of the EA FTF is available and can be utilized to inform key processes, policies and standards in the humanitarian and development spheres
• POLICY Advance humanitarian and development policy and practice on anticipatory action
• LEARNING Promote learning and knowledge management on AA/FbF; Maintaining a space for knowledge sharing, evidence building and learning
• ADVOCACY Engage in joint advocacy to inform and/or influence AA/FbF policy