The Fiji Government has officially passed the Chairmanship of the Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Ministerial Meeting to Palau during the Second Ministerial Meeting held on Tuesday in Koror, Palau. The handover ceremony was carried out by Napolioni Boseiwaqa, the Director of the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office, at the meeting’s opening.
In his remarks, Boseiwaqa expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts among Pacific Island nations in enhancing disaster resilience throughout the region. Highlighting Fiji’s three-year tenure as Chair, he emphasized the country’s commitment to improving disaster readiness and resilience. This commitment has gained prominence following Fiji’s experiences with severe natural disasters such as tropical cyclones Harold, Yasa, and Ana in 2021, as well as the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences underscored the urgent need for proactive disaster risk management strategies over reactive measures.
“Fiji has been honoured to serve as Chair of the Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting. Our 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 articulated.
He highlighted the significant strides made during Fiji’s chairmanship, notably the passage of the National Disaster Risk Management Act in 2022. This legislation has instituted crucial reforms, including a coordinated governance structure, the establishment of humanitarian clusters, the development of a multi-hazard early warning system, and the enhancement of accountability mechanisms for humanitarian actors.
Boseiwaqa also recognized the regional collaborative efforts aimed at improving disaster risk management, which include the endorsement of a Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM and the decision to hold this significant meeting every two years moving forward. He underscored the importance of united action in tackling the imminent challenges posed by natural disasters and climate change.
The meeting serves as a platform for vital discussions among disaster risk management ministers, senior officials from National Disaster Management Offices, regional organizations, and development partners. The theme of this gathering is “Strengthened Political Leadership for Disaster Risk Management in the Pacific.” Key discussion points will include commitments made in previous meetings, the endorsement of the draft Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism (PResCoM) Policy, and updates on various initiatives aimed at strengthening regional climate and disaster responses.
As Fiji transitions out of its role as Chair and works alongside Palau and other Pacific nations, there remains a beacon of hope for continued resilience amidst the growing frequency of natural disasters in the region. The relationships built and the proactive strategies enacted during this transition reflect a shared dedication to ensuring a safer and more resilient future for all Pacific Island nations.