Pacific Island leaders, ministers, and disaster officials have convened in Palau this week for the Second Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Ministers Meeting, a high-level regional dialogue aimed at strengthening political leadership and collective action on disaster and climate resilience.
Palau Vice President and incoming DRM Chair, Raynold B. Oilouch opened the meeting by stressing the urgency of regional preparedness and cooperation in facing increasing climate threats.
“Palau is honoured to host the 2nd Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting at this critical time for our region.”
He said, “Let us have open and meaningful conversations and discussions about the “Pacific Way” on what is working, what we really need to focus on, and how we move forward to continue to drive impactful and meaningful progress and change in our home countries.
Vice President Oilouch also earlier said, “As small island nations on the frontlines of climate change, we understand firsthand the urgency of strengthening our disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
“Through the enhanced regional cooperation and mechanisms we are establishing this coming week, we are building the resilience our islands need to safeguard our people, our cultures, and our way of life for generations to come.”
Outgoing DRM Chair Napolioni Boseiwaqa, Director of Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Office, commended regional and global partners for their continued support.
“Through initiatives like the Early Warning for All program, partners like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs have come together to map out areas needing investment and resourcing across the four early warning pillars,” he said.
He added that disaster response must be inclusive and community-centred.
“Our disaster risk management arrangements and actions reflect a whole-of-society approach that integrates gender, disability, and youth perspectives.”
Pacific Community (SPC) Deputy Director-General for Science and Capability, Dr Paula Vivili, called for more practical, sustained leadership.
“We must move beyond funding to practical, sustained action. This meeting will set strategic priorities for the Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM,” he said.
“DRM is about more than technical solutions, it’s about addressing root causes of vulnerability and strengthening public financial management and support systems.”
Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology said the meeting comes at a crucial time for his country.
“This meeting is very important, and we’re committed to supporting the outcomes of this week’s ministerial meeting.”
Solomon Islands NDMO Director, Jonathan Tafiariki, added, “Solomon Islands is a vulnerable country to natural and human-induced disasters. It is ranked second highest after Vanuatu in terms of disaster vulnerability.”
Ministers will review progress made under the 2022 Nadi Declaration, and are expected to endorse key regional initiatives, including the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism (PResCoM), Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme, and Early Warning for All.
The meeting will conclude with a Ministerial Declaration outlining renewed commitments and clear actions to strengthen resilience across the Pacific.
