The Division of Early Warning and Assessment (DEWA) is the division responsible for scientific assessment, early warning, and the access and delivery of environmental data and information within UNEP. It works closely with other UNEP Divisions, UN agencies, the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the scientific community. In addition to its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, DEWA is represented in six regions (Africa; Asia and the Pacific; Europe; Latin American and the Caribbean; North America; and West Asia) through its six regional coordination offices. The Division implements its operations through a global network of collaborating centres and partners.

The mission of DEWA-West Asia is to improve access to meaningful environmental data and information, and increase capacity in West Asia to use environmental information for decision-making and action.

In implementing the mission, the Division of Early Warning and Assessment focuses on 3 strategic directions:

• Strengthening the scientific basis for decision-making by undertaking timely, policy relevant and scientifically credible environmental assessments.
• Enabling governments to develop improved environmental data and information systems for early warning and decision making by supporting monitoring and data collection systems and developing indicators for assessments and reporting.
• Supporting environmental governance for sustainable development by strengthening cooperation with and building capacity of national, sub-regional, regional and international institutions for assessment, monitoring, data management and reporting.