There is a need for stronger national disaster risk management systems that addresses all components of the disaster risk management cycle and not just disaster response.
Those were the words of the Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management Meleti Bainimarama at the opening of the Pacific Resilience Week.
Bainimarama says there is also a need to build meaningful partnerships and coordination to achieve the vision of a self‑reliant Fiji.
He says a vision this bold will require technical expertise, financial support, and other assistance from local, national, regional and international partners.
Meanwhile, the Head of UN office for the coordination of Humanitarian affairs, Sune Gudnitz says the increased frequency of disasters and impact of climate change makes the need for effective long‑term partnerships and work from disaster mitigation to preparedness, response, and recovery.
The Pacific Resilience Week will run for a total of 10 days and conclude on the 27th of this month.
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