LocationsThis week, UNDP joined the National Disaster Centre (NDC) in hosting the 8th Provincial Disaster Coordinators Conference in Port Moresby.
UNDP brings together provincial disaster coordinators to strengthen disaster response and mitigation in Papua New Guinea
November 10, 2023
Group photo of the participants of the conference.
Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
The conference, which was held for the first time since 2014, brought together provincial disaster coordinators, deputy provincial administrators and the Government’s key development partners to devise ways to improve disaster response and disaster risk reduction efforts across Papua New Guinea.
During the weeklong event, the participants had an opportunity to discuss the shortcomings and gaps they have faced in their disaster management in recent years, as well as to share best practices in addressing these challenges in an efficient manner.
Provincial Disaster Coordinators from across the country are attending the conference.
Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
In his keynote speech to the participants, the Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, Mr. Laso Mana, praised the provincial disaster coordinators for their tireless efforts to protect their communities, stating, “Our government is aware of our country’s vulnerability to various hazards and disasters, and we are committed to support the work of the national and provincial disaster centres to ensure our communities remain safe and resilient. This conference is an opportunity for us to strengthen collaboration between the provincial, district and local level government levels to address these risks.
The Acting Director of the National Disaster Centre, Mr. Laso Mana, during his keynote speech.
Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
Speaking at the opening session of the conference, the Humanitarian Coordination Officer of the Humanitarian Advisory Team of UNDP, Mr. Lindsay Lambi, stressed the importance of reviewing Papua New Guinea’s existing disaster management legislation to ensure it is equipped to handle the challenges posed by climate change and other megatrends of today.
“Both provincial and national disaster officers should prioritize and set in motion initiatives aimed at revising and setting in place the new National Disaster Management Act, which has not been reviewed since 1987. UNDP is committed to supporting the Government in this effort,” he stated.
UNDP Humanitarian Coordination Officer, Mr Lindsay Lambi, stressed the importance of revising PNG’s disaster management legislation.
Seru Kepa | UNDP Papua New Guinea
