Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka at a side event for Disaster Risk Reduction and SIDS Successor Framework Event at the High Level Meeting for the General Assembly on the Mid-Term Review for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in New York.

NEW YORK – There is a need to create an enabling environment to facilitate and attract foreign direct investment and financing, and capacity support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka highlighted this at a side event for Disaster Risk Reduction and SIDS Successor Framework Event at the High Level Meeting for the General Assembly on the Mid-Term Review for the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in New York.

He said this was a challenge faced by SIDS, along with the need to strengthen cooperation, capacity and investment in disaster risk management.

“I would like to shed some light on the crucial issue of mobilizing financial resources for effective DRR. Securing a mix of domestic, regional, and international funding sources is essential, along with innovative mechanisms. However, accessing the necessary financial resources for successful DRR remains a significant challenge for SIDS,” Hon. Ditoka highlighted.

“To overcome these obstacles, we must simplify and improve the application processes for concessional financing. It is crucial for partners and donors to align templates and requirements, reducing time and labor costs that hinder SIDS from accessing available financing. By ensuring sufficient and accessible funding, we can effectively address the challenges posed by disasters and climate change, fostering a resilient and sustainable future for our islands. I can’t stress enough the need for partners to adhere to national priorities and align to national structure to enable sustainable investment.”

In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka also stated that it was encouraging that despite being exposed to multiple natural and climate-related hazards and limited resources, Small Island Developing States have collectively made considerable progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Minister Ditoka also highlighted how disasters continuously affected vulnerable groups.

“We recognise that disasters contribute to the amplification of existing inequalities and have a disproportionate impact on marginalized groups, including women, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and indigenous communities. It is our duty to foster a path towards disaster resilience that ensures inclusivity and equity for all,” Hon. Ditoka stated.

-ENDS-

The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is responsible for implementing development strategies that bring Fijians living in rural and maritime regions the same level of access to essential services and economic opportunities as anywhere else in the country. We coordinate and implement the Fiji Government’s rural and maritime development initiatives with a mission to empower Fiji’s rural sector. We also spearhead disaster risk reduction initiatives at national and sub-national level including disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. We have offices for each of Fiji’s 14 provinces including Rotuma, leading the Fiji Government’s rural development and disaster risk management operations.

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