Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka delivering his remarks at the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) side event which was held along the margins of the 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States (SIDS4) currently underway in Antigua and Barbuda yesterday.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – Our shared commitment to resilient infrastructure is vital for mitigating disaster and climate risks while fostering sustainable development in our island nations.
This was emphasised by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka at an Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) side event which was held along the margins of the 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States (SIDS4) currently underway in Antigua and Barbuda.
The event marked the launch of the 2nd call for proposals under IRIS. With a budget of USD$8million, this round focuses on ‘Climate Action, Mainstreaming Resilience, and Strengthening Data for Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure’.
Minister Ditoka encouraged SIDS members to utilise the initiative to enhance resilience in their respective countries.
“Initiatives like IRIS, supported by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and our global partners, provide us with the necessary tools and resources to build a safer and more resilient future,” Hon. Ditoka said.
Fiji was one of the six Heads of State that launched the IRIS initiative, alongside the Prime Ministers of Australia, India, Jamaica, Mauritius, and the United Kingdom (UK) at the World Leaders Summit at COP26.
Resilient infrastructure is crucial for mitigating disaster and climate risks and fostering sustainable development in SIDS.
Hon. Ditoka highlighted that IRIS, addressed these priorities through projects co-designed by SIDS governments in its first Call for Proposals which was tailored to meet the specific needs and requirements of SIDS.
One of these projects include a project being presently implemented in Fiji, focused on ‘Mapping, Assessing, and Planning for Comprehensive Multi-Hazard Early Warning Capabilities’ or “A Roadmap”. This project is being spearheaded by the Fiji Government, and a local non-government organisation (NGO). The project aligns well with the UN Secretary-General’s initiative for early warning for all and complements ongoing national efforts effectively.
Caption: Director NDMO Ms. Vasiti Soko and representatives of other Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) at the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) side event which was held along the margins of the 4th International Conference on Small Islands Developing States (SIDS4) currently underway in Antigua and Barbuda yesterday.
