Early warning to early action: systems for shock-responsive social protection

This brief summarizes key learnings from the dialogue “Early warning to early action: Interoperable systems for shock-responsive social protection”, held on January 20, 2026.

You can watch the recordings and download the materials on the event page.

Overview

This learning brief outlines how linking early warning systems with social protection through interoperable data systems enables anticipatory action before a shock hits. The first part explains how early warning forecasts automatically trigger pre-agreed protocols, releasing financing and activating responses through existing social protection infrastructure, such as social registries and payments. The second part highlights real-world applications, including Malawi’s drought-triggered shock-responsive programme and Costa Rica’s GeoSinirube for geospatial targeting.