Noriko Sakurai serves as the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Policy Advisor for Fiji and the broader Pacific Region, collaborating closely with the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO). Her work is instrumental in fortifying Fiji’s resilience to various natural disasters and is supported by Japan’s long-standing experience in coping with earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and landslides.
Sakurai is dedicated to enhancing disaster governance in alignment with the National DRR Plan (NDRRP) for 2018-2030. She partners with NDRMO, various line ministries, and local division and district offices to achieve this goal. Under the guidance of JICA, NDRMO has developed divisional and priority area DRR plans specifically for the Western and Central Divisions, including key regions such as Nadi, Ba, and greater Suva. Additionally, they have produced the National DRR Annual Report.
These officially endorsed plans and reports mark significant progress in tackling the global challenge of bringing strategies into action. They aim to mobilize resources, bolster stakeholder partnerships, and promote evidence-based decision-making, providing a framework for practical disaster risk reduction.
Moreover, Sakurai is passionate about sharing Fiji’s successful DRR practices with other Pacific nations, contributing to a collective regional resilience. She takes pride in her work alongside the people of Fiji, striving to create a more secure and resilient society through actionable strategies and collaborative efforts.
Images highlighting recent discussions and activities, including participation in the Pacific DRR Ministerial meeting in Palau and engaging in practical experiences at the DRR Awareness Centre in Tokyo, underscore the importance of international cooperation in disaster preparedness and risk reduction. Premier efforts by Sakurai and her team showcase a commitment to building a safer future for all Pacific communities.
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