Caption: Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Isoa Talemaibua with representatives of the Ministry and key agencies who attended the one-day Shelter Cluster Workshop in Suva last January.
SUVA – The Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management is committed to leading and coordinating the Shelter Cluster, supporting its ongoing operation and functions, and the achievement of our shared objectives.
Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Isoa Talemaibua gave this assurance to the Shelter Cluster members during a workshop in Suva last month.
The Shelter Cluster plays an important supporting role in Fiji’s disaster management system. It provides a permanent coordination forum through which the network of humanitarian actors and stakeholders involved in the Shelter Sector plan for, prepare, and coordinate collective responses to effectively address the shelter needs of the most at-risk populations and communities.
“While the Ministry has a clear and significant role to play in the overall performance of the cluster, the success of the cluster ultimately lies in the quality of the collective action and collaborative efforts of all cluster partners. Through the course of the workshop today I strongly encourage all of you to share your knowledge, experience, insights, and perspectives freely, frankly, and constructively. Your input is valued and essential,” Mr Talemaibua said.
“With past lessons and best practices captured, and revised terms of reference in place, I am certain that the outcomes of today’s workshop will set the Fiji Shelter Cluster on a firmer foundation for future collective activity and response.”
The one-day workshop aimed to document lessons learned and best practices from Shelter responses post-TC Winston, finalise and adopt the revised Shelter Cluster Terms of Reference, and also capture actions and activities which may inform a Shelter Cluster Work Programme
The revised and updated terms of reference will provide an improved definition of the shared coordination platform that the Cluster provides the sector, with further clarity of purpose, objectives, functions, and roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders involved.
Supported by the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC), the workshop was attended by representatives from more than 20 key agencies that are part of the Shelter Cluster.
Caption:Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management Mr. Isoa Talemaibua delivers his address at the one-day Shelter Cluster Workshop in Suva.
