The Shefa Provincial Government, in partnership with the national government through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), marked World Disaster Risk Reduction Day this week with the launch of the province’s Disaster and Climate Change Committee.

This event, celebrated globally every year on October 13, highlights awareness and preparedness for disasters at all levels of society.

This year’s observance in Vanuatu carries special significance, as Shefa becomes the third province to officially establish and register its Provincial Disaster and Climate Change Committee (PDCCC), signaling stronger collaboration between the provincial and national governments.

During the signing ceremony, the Secretary General of Shefa Provincial Government, Lionel Kaluat and eight key representatives from the province formally endorsed the partnership with NDMO.

These representatives includes the Shefa Provincial Disaster Officer for NDMO, a Senior Vanuatu Police Force officer, the Provincial Planner, Finance Officer, a government officer in which the provincial government nominated, a representative for gender and protection cluster nominated by the Ministry of Justice and Community Services (MoJCS), an officer from the Department of Local Authority (DLA) and a member of the non-government organization (NGO) which VANGO nominated.

NDMO Director, Abraham Nasak, said this new committee involves nine national and provincial bodies, which will coordinate disaster, preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

“This is the first province that knows the priority of others. Through the structure that is set up, they are the ones to decide what type of response to take and make recommendations or initiatives in preparedness, response, and recovery,”

— Abraham Nasak, Director of NDMO

The 2025 theme, “Funding Resilience- Not Disaster,” brought together communities, schools and humanitarian partners of the government during disaster response and recovery such as the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).

AHP’s national coordinator, Jennifer Kausei, emphasized the day’s importance in strengthening connections across all levels.

“IDRR is an important day to remember the hard work of our partners ,national, provincial, and community , who play a key role when it comes to natural disasters,”

— Jennifer Kausei, AHP National Coordinator

For the first time, the Blood Bank Unit of the Vanuatu National Hospital (VNH) also participated, reminding the public that blood donation is part of disaster preparedness.

“We shouldn’t wait for disasters to donate blood. Giving blood in advance helps save lives when emergencies happen,”

— Ray Willie, Blood Bank Unit

As Vanuatu continues to face multiple natural hazards, this years milestone for the Shefa Provincial Government reflects the country’s growing commitment to resilience ,starting from the community level up to the national framework.