The first disaster management workshop for the Blue Pacific Continents began yesterday morning at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Conference Centre.
Sarah Bearup, the chief operating officer for the World Vision South Asia Pacific regional office, emphasized the significance of locally led initiatives in humanitarian and development efforts.
“We have nine countries represented, including some of our World Vision local staff and several local partners,” she said.
“We are bringing a whole group together this week.”
Ms. Bearup added that their goal is to enhance the already existing humanitarian ecosystem.
“Strengthening capacity, particularly around disaster management, so we are building up those skills and those tools in the toolkit to respond to disasters.
“Whether it may be preparedness, mitigation, addressing environmental impacts, addressing the rights of people during disasters, and ensuring dignified and effective responses to disasters,” she said.
The workshop will run for five days.