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Official Launch of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework 2017 - 2030

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 19 February 2019 – The Minister for Inter - Government Relations and Member for Wewak, Honourable Kevin Isifu has successfully launched Papua New Guinea’s National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework (NDRRF) 2017 – 2030 during the gala event hosted by Minister Isifu himself on the 16th of February 2019.

The event was attended by the staff of three different agencies under the Ministry, namely the Department of Provincial and Local Government Affairs (DPLGA), the PNG Fire Service and National Disaster Centre (NDC). The event was also attended by the representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission, European Union as well a number of key stakeholders and private sector representatives.

Building on from the achievements of PNG’s previous framework, this framework is closely aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The Sendai Framework was originally endorsed by UN Member States, including PNG, back in 2015 in Sendai. Japan. The aim of the PNG National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework is to achieve substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses and communities over the next 14 years.

Disaster risk reduction is an important priority for the Government as explicitly indicated in PNG’s Vision 2050, National Strategy for Responsible Sustainable Development for Papua New Guinea (StaRS) and the recently endorsed Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP). With four priorities for actions, as well as clearly defined targets and indicators, implementation of this framework will not only enhance the disaster risk reduction but more importantly complement and contribute significantly to PNG’s journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“The Framework is an important milestone for PNG in building disaster resilient communities in our country. An important Framework developed, endorsed and launched truly indicates the commitment and continued efforts by our Government to addressing disaster risks in our country. However, we need to keep up our efforts in implementing this framework at the national, sub-national and most importantly at the community level,” said Mr Mose, Acting Director of NDC.

In his keynote speech, Minister Isifu commended all stakeholders, especially the National Disaster Centre, who have contributed to the development of this framework including national and sub-national government departments and agencies, civil society, faith-based organizations and development partners. Minister also thanked the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Australia for the technical and financial support provided for the development of this very important framework.

“The Government of Papua New Guinea is fully committed to the implementation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework in line with our commitments to the Sendai Declaration and more importantly to the people of PNG”, noted the Minister.

“As Minister overseeing disaster responses, I will personally look forward to working closely with government colleagues at the national and sub national levels, local communities, civil society, private sector and development partners to ensure a more resilient Papua New Guinea by 2030,” said Minister Isifu.

Representatives from UNDP and Australian Government, who were invited as guest speakers, confirmed their readiness to continue supporting PNG Government with the implementation of the Framework.

More collaboration with Australian counterparts, other governments and partners in the region and beyond, the UN System, private sector, NGOs and faith-based organizations is needed to enhance the disaster management system in Papua New Guinea. The minister also called for concerted efforts from the Government, the non-government partners, civil society, faith-based organizations as well as the development partners and private sector to support the implementation of the Framework in order to lessen the negative impacts of the disasters on the lives of the citizens of this country.

Media Contacts:

Martin Mose,
Acting Director, NDC
Tel: +675 3014701
Email: ereman@pngndc.gov.pg