FIJI’S pivotal role in Pacific disaster risk management was emphasised as the chairmanship for the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting was handed over during the meeting in Koror, Palau.
National Disaster Risk Management Office Director, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, handed over the chairmanship on behalf of Sakiasi Ditoka, Fiji’s Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.
Boseiwaqa said over the past three years, Fiji has been honoured to serve as Chair of the Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting.
“This role has deepened our commitment to reform, readiness, and resilience, anchored in our lived experiences and a shared vision to leave no one behind,’’ Boseiwaqa said.
“Like the rest of the Pacific, Fiji’s disaster vulnerability is well known. In 2021, during COVID-19, we managed cyclones Harold, Yasa, and Ana, highlighting the need to shift from reactive to proactive, risk-informed planning.’’
He said the National Disaster Risk Management Act in Fiji was passed by Parliament, replacing the legislation enacted in 1998.
The revised Act has introduced:
- A coordinated governance structure through the National DRM Council and Emergency Committee.
- A formalised Humanitarian Cluster System for coordinated, targeted, and standards-based assistance.
- Registries for humanitarian actors and volunteers to strengthen accountability, and mandated multi-hazard early warning systems, supported by cross-agency collaboration and partnerships with UN agencies and stakeholders.
Through initiatives like the Early Warning for All program, partner organisations such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, have collaborated to address areas in need of investment and resources across four early warning pillars.
Last year, Pacific Leaders endorsed The Declaration of the Inaugural Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting, the biennial regularisation of this meeting, supported by the Regional Disaster Managers Meeting, and the establishment of a Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM.
“Whilst our leaders have established the role of Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM and vested that responsibility in the Chair of our meeting, the challenge for change and improvement requires our collective effort,’’ Boseiwaqa said.
“We are honoured to be the inaugural Chair and, although stepping aside, we reaffirm our commitment to working with the incoming Chair and Honourable Ministers on resilience building in the Pacific.”