Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka is flanked by Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown, Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ms. Elizabeth Riley, and WFP’s Executive Director, Ms. Cindy McCain at a high-level panel discussion on “Bridging the Humanitarian-Development Nexus through comprehensive disaster management for Climate Action” held along the margins of the 4th International Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda in May this year.
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA – It is essential for policymakers and practitioners to consider locally led programmes that enables practical actions and policy recommendations to enhance effective coordination between humanitarian and development actors.
This was emphasised by the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka at a high-level panel discussion on “Bridging the Humanitarian-Development Nexus through comprehensive disaster management for Climate Action” held along the margins of the 4th International Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda in May this year.
Organised by the World Food Programme (WFP), the high-level discussion was also attended by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, Cook Islands Prime Minister Hon. Mark Brown, the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ms. Elizabeth Riley, and WFP’s Executive Director, Ms. Cindy McCain
In his remarks, Hon. Ditoka highlighted that it was imperative that the critical intersection between humanitarian and development needs for SIDS in the context of climate action and climate change was not only understood, but that best practices and lessons learned from existing initiatives that have successfully bridged the humanitarian-development divide in SIDS were also identified.
“The Pacific region, with its unique challenges and resilience, provides us with compelling examples. In the Pacific, the devastating impacts of climate change are starkly evident, from rising sea levels threatening coastal communities to more frequent and intense natural disasters wreaking havoc on infrastructure and livelihoods. Yet, amidst these challenges, we witness innovative approaches that bridge humanitarian and development efforts,” Hon. Ditoka said.
“For instance, community-based disaster risk reduction programs in Fiji empower local communities to build resilience through a combination of early warning systems, infrastructure upgrades, and livelihood diversification initiatives. These initiatives not only save lives during disasters but also contribute to long-term development by enhancing community capacity and sustainability.”
He said initiatives such as the Inaugural Pacific Ministerial Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting hosted by Fiji in 2022 and the Pacific Disaster Management Meeting held in April this year exemplified effective coordination between humanitarian and development actors in Pacific for climate action.
“By bringing together government agencies, civil society organisations, regional and international partners, this platform facilitates knowledge-sharing, resource mobilization, and joint action to address climate-related challenges comprehensively. Through collaborative efforts, this forum supports the implementation of integrated approaches that prioritize both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development objectives, thereby bridging the divide between emergency response and sustainable development.
“As we reflect on these examples, it is evident that effective coordination between humanitarian and development actors is paramount for climate action in the Pacific. This may include establishing multi-stakeholder platforms, integrating climate resilience into development planning processes, and fostering partnerships that leverage the strengths of various actors.”
Minister Ditoka further stated that by working together cohesively, leaders could ensure that our response to climate change are holistic, inclusive, and sustainable.
“Let us draw inspiration from Fiji and the wider Pacific’s resilience and innovation as we navigate the intersection between humanitarian and development needs for climate action. By learning from best practices, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing coordinated action, we can build a more resilient future for SIDS and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable communities.”
Caption: Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Hon. Sakiasi Ditoka, Prime Minister of Barbados Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, and the Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ms. Elizabeth Rileyat a high-level panel discussion on “Bridging the Humanitarian-Development Nexus through comprehensive disaster management for Climate Action” held along the margins of the 4th International Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda in May this year.
