IOM: A week of international day for disaster reduction activities in the Pacific
Federated States of Micronesia - IOM offices across the Pacific are in the midst of a busy week, marking International Disaster Reduction Day (IDDR). From its beginnings as a single-day event on one island, IOM has now expanded it to four of the main islands in the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and a four-day event in Papua New Guinea.
The Organization is collaborating with host Governments, local partners, schools and the wider community to educate the public about living with disabilities and disasters. From 12 to 18 October, disaster reduction and disabilities will be recognized through public debates, photo displays, educational expos and keynote speeches by the countries’ leaders.
In Pohnpei, Micronesia where the IDDR was first observed in the region, IOM is working with a coalition of state and national government agencies, international and regional organizations and local NGOs. All are promoting community resilience and preparedness in the face of inevitable future hazards, including those exacerbated by climate change. This year, the Pacific-island partners will also recognize the importance of healthy food systems in supporting food security and nutrition, the theme of World Food Day on 16 October, and a vital aspect of effective disaster preparedness.
The events across the region are expected to be attended by hundreds of community members, officials and students and should bolster the existing disaster preparedness knowledge of many students and members of the public.
IOM is already working with 50 communities and schools through a climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction education program funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). “Programs such as this are becoming ever more relevant, in countries such as the Marshall Islands, which are still recovering from a severe drought”, noted IOM’s Chief of Mission, Ashley Carl.
Meanwhile IOM in Papua New Guinea is screening its disaster reduction programmes on national television. Local media was invited also to participate in disaster trainings as a way to raise visibility and to enhance their role in disaster reduction.
For further information contact
Ashley Carl
Chief of Mission
Email: [email protected]
or
George Gigauri
Chief of Mission for PNG
Email: [email protected]