The UK government's new £40 million Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme aims to provide training, simulation exercises, and new disaster monitoring systems to help countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Sudan prepare for future natural disasters. International Development Secretary Justine Greening will announce the programme at the World Bank's Spring Meeting in Washington. Funding will be given to projects that improve the quality and speed of humanitarian responses. Greening emphasizes the need for increased investment in preparedness and resilience due to the growing demands on the global humanitarian system. The programme will work with various networks to organize training programmes in at-risk countries and improve early warning systems through innovative technologies. Additionally, a £20 million fund will be set up for UNICEF and the World Food Programme to enhance disaster planning in high-risk regions. The countries listed will be Afghanistan, Burma, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Chad, Madagascar, Central America, Central Asia, African Great Lakes, and the Syria region. An example of the effectiveness of this approach is given by citing how Bangladesh reduced casualties from two similar cyclones from 500,000 in 1972 to 3,400 in 2008. Additionally, the release mentioned that Greening will outline DFID's five key areas for improvement to alleviate the demand for emergency assistance. These areas include: investing more in preparedness and resilience, providing support for local civil society organizations to lead humanitarian responses, allowing recipients to drive aid efforts, and tailoring responses to meet the specific needs of those affected by emergencies. A modern response is required for humanitarian assistance in the 21st Century, involving new and creative methods such as utilizing mobile phones, utilizing advancements like adaptable shelter kits, and providing cash instead of conventional relief supplies to empower individuals to choose what they need most urgently. The development challenge lies in the fact that humanitarian disasters are occurring more frequently in regions with high levels of poverty. It is essential to engage in long-term planning to prevent or reduce the impact of crises in areas prone to regular or prolonged disasters such as food shortages.