Ministers and officials responsible for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) around the Pacific are convening in Nadi, Fiji this week for the Inaugural Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction Ministers Meeting from the 14-16th September 2022. During the opening ceremony, the Samoa Minister of Natural Resources and Environment and Tourism, Hon. Toeolesulusulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster was given the honour to accept the Tabua and kava drink for the official kava ceremony to welcome the Ministers, hosted by the Fijian Government. The Ministerial meeting is an important forum to share progress of work, reflect on lessons learnt and best practices, and share experiences in building disaster and climate resilient communities. It is also a strategic precursor for the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), jointly hosted by the Government of Australia and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in Brisbane, Australia from 19th–22nd September 2022. The Minister is joined by Fesolai Molly Nielsen (ACEO Disaster Management Office) and Asuao Malaki Iakopo (ACEO Water Resources Division).
Some of the key areas Samoa will be contributing to for the Pacific DRR Ministers meeting will be on Risk Informed development, Disaster preparedness and response, Resilient recovery, and Commitment to Action that will culminate in a “Declaration” issued by Ministers to reflect their commitment to action to address key priorities in resilience strengthening in the Pacific.
