International Training Course on “MAZU” for Early Warning and Disaster Risk Reduction

1. Course Objectives
This Course aims to equip participants with actionable knowledge and practical tools to strengthen early warning and disaster risk reduction (DRR) systems in their own countries. Through an in-depth introduction to China’s “MAZU” (Multi-hazard, Alert, Zero-gap and Universal) early warning system, a national response to the UN’s “Early Warnings for All” initiative, participants will:
1)Understand the design principles, technical architecture, and operational workflows of “MAZU”;
2)Gain hands-on insights into integrated approaches for meteorological forecasting, risk communication, and emergency coordination;
3)Explore how policy frameworks, institutional mechanisms, and digital technologies can be adapted to diverse national contexts;
4)Build peer connections with experts and practitioners from other developing countries to foster long-term collaboration on climate resilience and DRR.
2. Participants
The Course is open to government officials, experts, and technical staff from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) or equivalent institutions in developing countries who are actively engaged in early warning services, DRR, or related fields. Applicants should meet the following requirements:
1)Profile: government officials, experts, or technical staff
2)Experience: minimum of 5 years in a relevant field
3)Health Conditions: physically fit for intensive training and field trips; in good health with a health certificate issued by a local public hospital; free from any disease that would disqualify entry into China under Chinese laws and regulations; without severe chronic diseases such as serious high blood pressure, cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases, or diabetes; without mental or infectious diseases that could pose a serious threat to public health; not in the process of recovering after a major operation or in the process of acute diseases; not seriously disabled or pregnant.
4)Age: below 45 years of age
5)Capacity: 25 participants
6)Others: During their stay in China, participants should observe local laws and customs, and are not allowed to bring spouses, relatives, or friends to any training-related activities.
3. Course Organization
The training will be delivered in English by experts from CMA and related institutions. It will involve diverse training formats including lectures, hands-on practice, on-site teaching, culture tour, and participants’ forum. Participants who complete all required activities will receive a certificate of completion.
Participants are expected to:
1)Actively engage in all in-person sessions, including delivering a country-specific presentation during the participants’ forum to share their experience and insights on Course-related topics;
2)Follow the training schedule; any leave of absence must be communicated in advance to the Course facilitators;
3)Fill in course-related surveys during the training;
4)Write a summary report of no less than 800 words, outlining key takeaways and offering actionable recommendations. The report should be submitted to training@intcmatc.com before 16 April 2026.
4. Application Information
Interested applicants should submit all required documents to CMA ICTC/WMO RTC-BJ at training@intcmatc.com, with a copy (cc) to the WMO Education and Training (ETR) Office at madiguzel@wmo.int no later than 8 Feburary 2026. Required application documents include:
1)A completed application form (see Annex 1), signed by the applicant and countersigned and stamped by their country’s Permanent Representative (PR) with WMO. The form should preferably be filled out electronically; If handwritten, an electronic version should also be provided.
2)An endorsement letter from the PR*.
3)A scanned copy of a passport valid for more than six months from the beginning of the Course.
4)A physical examination record confirming good health, issued and stamped by a publicly recognized local hospital.
*An official endorsement letter from the applicant’s country’s PR with WMO, addressed to Dr. Chen Zhenlin, PR of China with WMO, stating that the applicant has been nominated for the Course and wishing to apply for financial support.
Please note that selection will be based on a comprehensive review of applications, with priority given to complete submissions received on a first-come, first-served basis. Incomplete or late applications will NOT be considered.
Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation letter for the training by email. Applicants who have not received an invitation letter one month before the Course begins should consider their application unsuccessful on this occasion.
5. Fees and Funding
1)To maximize the transfer of knowledge and skills, the Course will provide full financial support to one (1) participant from each developing country.
2)Tuition fees are waived for all accepted participants.
3)Local expenses during the Course, including accommodation, meals, insurance and local transport (such as airport pickup), will be covered by the Course organizer for all participants. A daily allowance will also be provided as pocket money during the stay.
4)International travel expenses will be covered by the Course organizer, including round-trip airfare from the participants’ home country to China. Please note that CMA ICTC only covers the cost of the international air ticket. Participants are responsible for any domestic travel cost to reach their international departure city, if applicable. Overweight baggage fees are not covered. Changes in the flight itinerary are prohibited without prior authorization from the Course organizer.
5)Fees to be borne by participants include: visa application fees; medical expenses for chronic diseases, cosmetic treatments, massages, and dental care; air ticket refund, rescheduling, and related fees resulting from the participants’ personal reasons; and any other expenses outside the training schedule.
6. Contact Information
Attn: Ms. Wang Yujing, Ms. Li Pan
E-mail: training@intcmatc.com
Tel: +86-10-6840 9467
CMA ICTC/WMO RTC-BJ
46 Zhongguancun Nandajie, Beijing 100081, China