The Pacific Community (SPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to assist Pacific Island nations in enhancing their disaster risk management and resilience efforts as government ministers and officials convened for the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting in Palau. During the opening session, SPC Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili underscored the need for proactive regional leadership and coordinated action to address pressing issues in disaster-risk management.
Dr. Vivili articulated that despite ongoing initiatives from national disaster offices and other stakeholders, there remains a significant gap in effective responses. He stated, “Ministerial leadership is essential to drive progress on resilience and risk reduction,” emphasizing that addressing disaster-risk management requires more than just technical solutions. It necessitates tackling foundational vulnerabilities and systemic inefficiencies.
The director-general highlighted the importance of strengthening public financial management and support systems, essential components for effective humanitarian responses and building resilience. He advocated for reforms in the enabling environment that would allow disaster-risk management actions to be more sustained and impactful. Dr. Vivili reminded participants of the region’s commitment made in 2016 under the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, which focused on integrating disaster-risk and climate action.
Furthermore, he called on ministers to not only consider funding but to also commit to tangible, lasting actions that would set strategic priorities for the Pacific Ministerial Champion for disaster risk management. His call for a shift from a funding focus to a practical action approach resonates with sentiments shared during previous discussions at regional workshops, highlighting the need for unified responses to the escalating challenges posed by climate change.
The positive momentum seen through collaboration among regional organizations, combined with targeted action plans, offers hope for Pacific Island states as they navigate the complexities of disaster preparedness and climate resilience. As stakeholders pool their resources and expertise, there lies a promising path toward safeguarding the future of Pacific Island nations against increasing disaster risks.
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