Fiji is set to deliver an important paper to the Pacific Islands Forum leaders, 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 support from Pacific leaders for the results of the first-ever Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction Ministers Meeting, which was organized by the Fijian Government in September 2022.
Fiji has held this position since 2022 and will transfer the chairmanship to another island nation in 2025.
“The declaration underscores the pressing need for joint regional initiatives to tackle the rising frequency and intensity of disasters that have undermined years of development progress and resulted in loss of life across the Pacific,” Ditoka stated.
He emphasized the importance of offering necessary support for Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) ministers and regional disaster directors.
“The objective is to put into action and track advancements against the key initiatives detailed in the 2050 Strategy Implementation Plan and other pertinent frameworks,” he added.
Mr. Ditoka is currently participating in the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM53) in Tonga, which commenced yesterday in the capital, Nuku’alofa.