Government of the Republic of Fiji
Government of the Republic of Fiji
10/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/30/2024 21:45
NDAW 2024: EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR A RESILIENT FIJI
The National Disaster Awareness Week 2024 (NDAW) was launched today by Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, Minister for Rural Maritime Development and Disaster Management, at the Hexagon Complex in Koronivia, Nausori.
Themed "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future," NDAW aims to enhance public awareness of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce disaster risks and losses in Fiji.
Minister Ditoka began by expressing Fiji's gratitude to the governments of New Zealand and Australia for their support and long-standing relationship with Fiji, particularly in strengthening Fiji's resilience against disaster impacts.
"Such bilateral relationships are vital for developing island nations like Fiji in both humanitarian and developmental spheres," said the Minister.
The Minister noted that the increasing frequency of disasters, aggravated by climate change, disproportionately impacts children and youth, who face immediate threats and enduring challenges such as disruptions in education, nutrition, and healthcare.
Emphasising the need to integrate their needs into disaster risk reduction strategies, Minister Ditoka said these are outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which calls for empowering children and youth and ensuring their active participation in developing these strategies.
"This aligns with the Sendai Framework's mid-term review, which advocates for meaningful youth participation and fosters a culture of disaster prevention."
By investing in education and empowering young people, Fiji can enable them to protect themselves and become agents of change within their communities.
"This is particularly relevant as we enhance early warning systems under the UN's Under-Secretary-General's 'Early Warnings for All' initiative."
Meanwhile, Fiji has made substantial progress in implementing the Sendai Framework's priorities, focusing on advancing early warning systems and fostering inclusive disaster resilience.
Fiji is one of seven countries globally chosen by the United Nations to pilot the Early Warnings for All initiative.
Earlier this month, Parliament passed Fiji's Disaster Risk Management Act, promoting inclusivity and ensuring marginalised voices are heard. This legislation demonstrates a commitment to protecting all members of society, especially those often overlooked.
The Act aims to establish institutions and mandates for effective disaster risk governance, management, and reduction at national and sub-national levels and will also facilitate the development and implementing of disaster risk reduction policies, strategies, and plans and addresses declaring a National State of Disaster.
"As Minister responsible for disaster management, knowing well the impacts of hazards on our social and economic well-being, I am reassured that the outcomes of the 2024 National Disaster Awareness Week will strengthen our resilience against hazards and their impact on our development and people," Minister Ditoka said.
"I reiterate our commitment as a nation to leaving no one behind in disaster risk reduction efforts. We look forward to continued collaboration with our regional and international partners to achieve our shared goals."
As the cyclone season begins Friday, Minister Ditoka urged everyone to prioritise disaster preparedness in their homes.
"Please ensure your families are well-equipped for the cyclone season. Let us commit to building a resilient future together," he said.
Themed "Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future," NDAW aims to enhance public awareness of ongoing efforts to prevent and reduce disaster risks and losses in Fiji.
Minister Ditoka began by expressing Fiji's gratitude to the governments of New Zealand and Australia for their support and long-standing relationship with Fiji, particularly in strengthening Fiji's resilience against disaster impacts.
"Such bilateral relationships are vital for developing island nations like Fiji in both humanitarian and developmental spheres," said the Minister.
The Minister noted that the increasing frequency of disasters, aggravated by climate change, disproportionately impacts children and youth, who face immediate threats and enduring challenges such as disruptions in education, nutrition, and healthcare.
Emphasising the need to integrate their needs into disaster risk reduction strategies, Minister Ditoka said these are outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, which calls for empowering children and youth and ensuring their active participation in developing these strategies.
"This aligns with the Sendai Framework's mid-term review, which advocates for meaningful youth participation and fosters a culture of disaster prevention."
By investing in education and empowering young people, Fiji can enable them to protect themselves and become agents of change within their communities.
"This is particularly relevant as we enhance early warning systems under the UN's Under-Secretary-General's 'Early Warnings for All' initiative."
Meanwhile, Fiji has made substantial progress in implementing the Sendai Framework's priorities, focusing on advancing early warning systems and fostering inclusive disaster resilience.
Fiji is one of seven countries globally chosen by the United Nations to pilot the Early Warnings for All initiative.
Earlier this month, Parliament passed Fiji's Disaster Risk Management Act, promoting inclusivity and ensuring marginalised voices are heard. This legislation demonstrates a commitment to protecting all members of society, especially those often overlooked.
The Act aims to establish institutions and mandates for effective disaster risk governance, management, and reduction at national and sub-national levels and will also facilitate the development and implementing of disaster risk reduction policies, strategies, and plans and addresses declaring a National State of Disaster.
"As Minister responsible for disaster management, knowing well the impacts of hazards on our social and economic well-being, I am reassured that the outcomes of the 2024 National Disaster Awareness Week will strengthen our resilience against hazards and their impact on our development and people," Minister Ditoka said.
"I reiterate our commitment as a nation to leaving no one behind in disaster risk reduction efforts. We look forward to continued collaboration with our regional and international partners to achieve our shared goals."
As the cyclone season begins Friday, Minister Ditoka urged everyone to prioritise disaster preparedness in their homes.
"Please ensure your families are well-equipped for the cyclone season. Let us commit to building a resilient future together," he said.