BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
JAPAN’S Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he is committed to continue extending humanitarian assistance/disaster relief in times of crisis triggered by natural hazards across the Pacific Islands countries (PIC).
This was highlighted in response to the shared views of the Pacific Island leaders on the vulnerability of the Pacific region to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and typhoons/ cyclones
Leaders said it is important to share lessons learned from past experiences in disasters, and the need for continued collaboration, welcoming initiatives such as the gender-based training on women in disaster management.
They also mentioned the necessity of enhancing cooperation on disaster risk reduction, especially for building resilience.
Moreover, in reaffirming the importance of sustainable development, management and conservation of environment, the leaders expressed their commitment to comprehensive and integrated efforts to address environmental issues, including promotion of environmentally sound waste management and 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) policies, conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of natural resources.
