Anticipatory Action (AA) has emerged as a powerful tool in the humanitarian sector, allowing interventions to take place before disasters fully unfold. However, despite growing investments, the success of Early Action Protocols (EAPs) has been mixed, with many protocols failing to activate as expected. This panel discussion will focus on the challenges and opportunities in improving the effectiveness of anticipatory action, specifically addressing the complexities of trigger systems used by the IFRC membership.

The session will explore the underlying reasons why EAPs are not being activated as frequently as anticipated. Through a detailed review of the RCRC's existing triggers and lessons learned from both successful and failed activations, panelists will discuss strategies to enhance the precision and timeliness of triggers, and ensure they reflect the full scope of potential risks.

A key focus will be on the collaborative efforts between the IFRC-DREF, Climate, and Resilience teams, alongside external partners, to redesign the process for developing and monitoring triggers. This will include addressing the complexities of data sources, trigger calibration, and the integration of external and internal data. The panel will also emphasize the importance of flexibility in triggers, ensuring they capture the evolving nature of disaster risks while remaining adaptable to the operational realities of National Societies.

By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including IFRC, National Societies, and external partners, this session will offer concrete solutions to enhance the effectiveness of anticipatory action in the face of increasing humanitarian risks. The ultimate goal is to ensure that anticipatory action can reach the most vulnerable populations in a timely, effective, and impactful way, helping to protect lives and reduce disaster losses before they occur.