The 12th APEC Senior Disasters Management Officials Forum has commenced in Kokopo with the theme "Advancing multi-hazard early warning systems for emergency preparedness and Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
Minister for Inter-Government Relations, Hon. Kevin Isifu in his welcoming remarks said that early warning is a key enabler for and core to effective disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
“Early warning is vital for us to direct often-finite amounts of resources to support timely, relevant and appropriate actions, starting with a persistent scanning of the horizon for hazards,” said Minister Isifu.
He added that the SDMOF theme has significant convergence with the overall APEC 2018 theme of “Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities, Embracing the Digital Future.”
Minister Isifu urged all the delegates and participants to go beyond the academic and abstract discussions and find practical, effective solutions for early warning prevention of disasters.
“We must not take lightly and must do our utmost to prepare, prevent and mitigate future tragedies,” said Isifu.
Hosting of the SDMOF is extremely encouraging for PNG as eminent group of experts and experienced practitioners from APEC economies gathered to exchange ideas on various key aspects of multi-hazard early warning that PNG could gain from.
The forum is attended by delegates from APEC economies, private sector, non-government organizations and others.