Fiji is set to present an important document to the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, highlighting the necessity for improved regional collaboration in disaster risk management across the Pacific, according to Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka.
As the current chair of the Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction Ministers Meeting, Fiji’s proposal aims to gain approval from Pacific leaders for the outcomes of the first Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction Ministers Meeting, which the Fijian Government hosted in September 2022.
Fiji has held this role since 2022 and will pass it on to another island nation in 2025.
Ditoka emphasized the critical need for a united regional response to tackle the growing frequency and intensity of disasters that have undermined years of development and caused loss of life across the Pacific. He pointed out that Fiji’s presentation underscores the vital support required for Pacific Disaster Risk Management ministers and regional disaster directors.
The objective is to implement and track progress related to the key actions outlined in the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan and other relevant frameworks.
Mr. Ditoka is currently participating in the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) taking place in Tonga, which officially began yesterday in the capital, Nuku’alofa.