SPC Director-General Dr Paula Vivili

The Pacific Community has reiterated its readiness to support Pacific Island countries with renewed effort and resources, as ministers and officials gathered for the 2nd Pacific Disaster Risk Management Ministers Meeting in Palau this morning.

SPC Director-General Dr Paula Vivili told delegates that regional leadership and integrated approaches must now move into action.

Dr Vivili stressed that despite the efforts of national disaster offices, partners and the wider DRM community, “more action is needed.

“Ministerial leadership is essential to drive progress on resilience and risk reduction.”

He highlighted that disaster-risk management is no longer just about technical solutions:

“It is about addressing root causes of vulnerability and systemic inefficiency. Strengthening public financial management and support systems is critical for effective humanitarian response and resilience.”

Dr Vivili stressed that alongside technical interventions such as early warning systems, shelters and coastal protection, it is equally necessary to reform enabling environments so that DRM actions can be effective and sustained.

He also reminded delegates of the region’s 2016 commitment under the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, which put integrated disaster-risk and climate action at its core.

“Related to the need for strengthening systemic change is the need to revive integrated approaches,” he remarked, pledging that SPC will work closely with sister regional organisations and all partners for this purpose.

Dr Vivili said that country systems, capacity and resources must be supported so resilience-building can be pursued “in a more coherent way”, adding that he lends his support for this.

He urged ministers to take action, saying the meeting will set strategic priorities for the Pacific Ministerial Champion for DRM and that they must move beyond funding to practical, sustained action.

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