FIJI significantly highlighted its leadership in Pacific disaster risk management during the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting held in Koror, Palau. National Disaster Risk Management Office Director, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, officially handed over the chairmanship, previously held by Fiji’s Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Sakiasi Ditoka.
For the past three years, Fiji has proudly served as the chair of this critical meeting, a role that Boseiwaqa described as enriching Fiji’s commitment to disaster reform, readiness, and resilience. He emphasized that the experiences gained from managing disasters—especially during the tumultuous years of COVID-19 when cyclones Harold, Yasa, and Ana struck—have underscored the need for a shift from reactive measures to proactive, risk-informed planning.
In line with enhancing disaster management protocols, Fiji recently passed the National Disaster Risk Management Act, replacing legislation established in 1998. This update introduces a comprehensive governance structure via the National Disaster Risk Management Council, a formalized Humanitarian Cluster System for coordinated assistance, and robust multi-hazard early warning systems to improve collaboration among agencies and partners.
Boseiwaqa noted Fiji’s ongoing collaboration with organizations, such as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through initiatives like the Early Warning for All program, which aims to bolster early warning capabilities across the region.
Last year’s endorsement of The Declaration from the inaugural Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting and the establishment of the Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM reflect a significant commitment by Pacific leaders to enhance collective efforts in managing disaster risks. Boseiwaqa highlighted that while Fiji is stepping down as chair, the nation remains dedicated to collaborating with the incoming chair and other ministers to further build resilience across the Pacific.
The commitment demonstrated by Fiji, along with proactive strategies for disaster preparedness, paints a hopeful picture for the future of disaster management in the region. By fostering cooperative frameworks and emphasizing the importance of incorporation of community resilience, Fiji is paving the way for a more united approach to mitigating the effects of natural disasters, showcasing its leadership at both regional and global platforms.