 Anticipatory action is changing the way we manage disasters. Thanks to technological advances, early warning information is more accurate and readily available than ever before, allowing us to plan and act on them. In Southeast Asia, where climate crisis threatens lives and livelihoods, FAO has been working closely with partners, governments and local communities to mitigate and reduce risks of disasters before they arrive. This means providing tailored solutions that not only protect communities from acute hunger and loss of livelihoods, but empower them to withstand future shocks. Before the drought arrived, we received drought-resistant rice seeds and training on how to grow them with little water. I also received ducks and seeds for a vegetable garden at home. This was new to me, but it provided me with an alternative source of income. Now we are stronger than before. The recent development of the ASEAN framework on anticipatory action in disaster management is leading the way, so that countries are better prepared to act before disaster strikes. The framework is centered on three building blocks. One, risk information, forecasting and early warning systems. Two, effective planning, operations and delivery. Three, pre-arranged finance. It represents a shift in disaster management in the region. One, FAO firmly stands behind, because protecting people's lives and livelihoods means protecting their future.