Pacific Island countries and territories will gather in Palau from 4-5 November 2025, for the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Ministers Meeting, as the region strengthens its collective response to escalating climate and disaster risks.
Hosted by the Government of Palau at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Centre in Koror, the ministerial meeting brings together disaster risk management ministers, senior officials from National Disaster Management Offices, regional organisations, and development partners under the theme: “Strengthened Political Leadership for Disaster Risk Management in the Pacific.”
The 2025 meeting builds upon the foundation established at the Inaugural Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting in Nadi, Fiji (2022) and the 1st Intersessional Meeting in Manila, Philippines (2024).
The Nadi Declaration, endorsed by Pacific Island Forum Leaders, set clear commitments to strengthen resilience and enhance regional cooperation.
The Pacific region faces an unprecedented convergence of climate and disaster risks, with Pacific Island countries and territories increasingly exposed to more frequent and severe cyclones, floods, droughts, and sea-level rise. These hazards threaten not only lives and livelihoods, but also the sovereignty, development progress, and cultural heritage of Pacific communities.
President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr and Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch welcome regional experts to Palau.
“As we gather for this ministerial meeting, Palau reaffirms its commitment to Pacific unity and collective progress. The solutions and partnerships forged during this gathering are essential for the resilience of our nations,” President Whipps stated.
“Looking ahead, as Palau prepares to host the Pacific Islands Forum in 2026, we invite all leaders and technical experts to continue this vital dialogue. Together, we will strengthen the foundations for a secure, united, and sustainable Pacific region.”
Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch, who leads the National Emergency Committee, welcomes this opportunity for the region to come together to discuss best practices and solutions to shared challenges.
“Palau is honoured to host the 2nd Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting at this critical time for our region,” Vice President Oilouch stated.
“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.”
The Pacific Community’s (SPC) Deputy Director-General Science and Capability and incoming Director General, Dr Paula Vivili said, “This meeting provides a critical opportunity to consolidate progress, strengthen partnerships, and chart a clear path forward for strengthened DRM and a more resilient, secure, and united Pacific.”
Ministers will address several critical priorities, including:
*Progress Review: Assessment of commitments made at previous ministerial meetings in 2022 and 2024.
*Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism (PResCoM): Ministers will consider endorsement of the draft PResCoM Policy and Operating Guideline.
*2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent: Updates on implementation progress and implications for regional DRM agenda.
*Strategic Initiatives: Showcasing progress on the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme, Pacific Climate Mobility Framework, Water Security, and Early Warning for All.
*DRM Champion Concept: Ministers will engage in closed dialogue to reimagine how the Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM can be enhanced to effectively address regional policy imperatives
The ministerial meeting will feature several key events:
*Palau Humanitarian Warehouse Groundbreaking (November 5): Ministers will participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Palau’s humanitarian warehouse, part of the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Programme established in 2024.
*Regional Disaster Managers Meeting (November 6): Following the ministerial sessions, Directors of National Disaster Management Offices will meet.
Regional Media Masterclass 3-7 November): Five-day training running parallel to the Second Pacific Islands Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Management, this Media Masterclass aims to strengthen regional capacity in science communication and disaster risk management reporting. The initiative will bring together senior media practitioners, emerging journalists, and communications officers from National Disaster Management and Meteorological Offices.
The meeting is expected to deliver clarity on the current status of regional DRM and resilience initiatives, including challenges and learnings. Ministers will enhance their understanding of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent implementation and identify strengthened strategic priorities requiring ministerial intervention at regional, global, and national levels.
A key outcome will be the endorsement of the Pacific Humanitarian Response Coordination Mechanism, followed by the adoption of a Declaration setting out clear commitments to action with defined timelines and responsibilities for regional partners and National Disaster Management Offices.
The Pacific DRM Ministers Meeting serves as an important platform for elevating Pacific perspectives and priorities to the global stage, including through the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. It provides a mechanism for regular progress review, peer learning, and realignment of activities to meet emerging challenges.
The biennial ministerial process, formalised in 2022, champions regional DRM priorities and drives collective action to strengthen resilience across the Pacific.
