Fiji has officially handed over its chairmanship of the Pacific Disaster Risk Management platform to Palau during the DRM Ministers’ Meeting held this morning.

Speaking at the event, Fiji’s Director of the National Disaster Risk Management Office, Napolioni Boseiwaqa, reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to supporting Palau and continuing the region’s crucial work in building resilience against disasters.

Boseiwaqa acknowledged that while Pacific leaders have established the role of the Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM, achieving meaningful change and improvement requires collective regional effort.

Reflecting on Fiji’s tenure as chair, he said the period strengthened the region’s commitment to reform, readiness, and resilience, principles anchored in shared experiences and a vision to ensure no one is left behind.

He highlighted that Fiji last year passed its National Disaster Risk Management Act, replacing the 1998 legislation.

The new Act introduces a coordinated governance framework through the National DRM Council and Emergency Committee, formalises the Humanitarian Cluster System, and enhances coordination and standards-based assistance during disasters.

Boseiwaqa also highlighted the importance of investing in preparedness to reduce disaster impacts on communities and critical sectors.

Through initiatives such as the Early Warning for All Program, Fiji and its partners have identified priority areas for investment across the four early warning pillars, developing early action solutions tailored to local needs.

He called on Pacific leaders to commit to concrete policy reforms, inclusive planning, and sustained investment to strengthen resilience across the region.

The DRM Ministers’ Meeting is currently underway, with leaders set to review progress made since the first meeting in Nadi and to chart the path forward for a safer and more resilient Pacific.

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