Posted on 20 October 2023
This week is National Disaster Awareness Week (NDAW), with this year's theme being "Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future".
An issue particularly relevant for the Pacific, the region is acknowledging the week through a range of events hosted by the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). This included an academic session held at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat last Friday, with opening remarks from Acting Director Policy, Joel Nilon.
Previous Minister for Rural, Maritime Development and Disaster Management Sakiasi Ditoka said, “This event serves as a platform for us to collaborate, share experiences and advocate for a unified approach as we enter the cyclone season.”
He described the week’s activities as a “call to action” rather than a series of events, reinforcing the collective duty in protecting local populations against extreme weather events.