Leaders, ministers, and disaster management officials from the Pacific region have convened in Palau for the Second Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Ministers Meeting, a pivotal gathering aimed at bolstering political leadership and collaborative actions to address the growing threats posed by climate change and disasters. Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch of Palau expressed the urgency for united efforts in confronting rising climate risks, stating, “Palau is honored to host the 2nd Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting at this critical time for our region.”
The meeting emphasizes the importance of regional preparedness, with Vice President Oilouch urging open dialogues on effective strategies tailored specifically for the Pacific context. He highlighted the need for improved disaster preparedness and response, acknowledging that small island nations disproportionately bear the brunt of climate impacts.
Napolioni Boseiwaqa, the outgoing Chair of the DRM and a representative from Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Office, recognized the indispensable support from regional and global partners, including the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. He advocated for an inclusive, community-centered approach that incorporates perspectives from various community sectors, such as gender, disability, and youth, into disaster management.
Dr. Paula Vivili, Deputy Director-General for Science and Capability at the Pacific Community (SPC), emphasized the necessity for sustained and effective leadership, moving beyond mere financial commitments to implement comprehensive disaster risk management strategies. He stressed that addressing the underlying causes of vulnerability is vital for enhancing regional resilience.
The Minister for Environment from the Solomon Islands pointed out that the meeting is particularly important for countries like his, which rank high in disaster vulnerability. As part of their discussions, ministers reviewed the progress of previous initiatives, including the 2022 Nadi Declaration, and are expected to endorse key regional initiatives such as the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism, the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme, and the Early Warning for All initiative.
As the meeting approaches its conclusion, participants are focused on finalizing a Ministerial Declaration that will outline actionable steps to build resilience across the Pacific. This collaborative spirit reflects a commitment to safeguard communities in the face of escalating climate challenges, fostering hope for a resilient future for the Pacific Islands amidst global uncertainties.