15th Regional disaster managers meeting

The meeting is being convened to allow discussion and consultation between the heads of the national disaster management offices with the SOPAC Community Risk Programme on key disaster risk management issues in the Pacific. In view of adoption by Pacific leaders in 2005 of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action 2005 – 2015: Building the Resilience of National and Communities to Disasters the meeting offers an opportunity to discuss practical solutions and tools to support the mainstreaming of disaster risk management within Pacific countries.

The theme of this year's meeting is 'Strengthening NDMO Capacity for Improved Disaster Risk Management'.

The specific objectives of the meeting are to:

1. Review progress since the 14th Regional Disaster Managers Meeting
2. Understand of the focus of the CRP Work Programme for 2009
3. Identify key national DRM issues for consideration by Regional Met Service Directors, regional and international partner organisations and Pacific CEOs for DisasterManagement and Finance/Planning
4. Increase an understanding of the NAP guidelines and the specific roles and responsibilities of the NDMOs in leading the NAP exercises.
5. Develop a hands-on understanding of the on-line reporting system for the Regional Framework for Action.
6. Develop a hands-on understanding of the Pacific Disaster Net and how to harness its capabilities to enhance capacities within NDMOs
7. Increase an understanding of and commitment to training and capacity building initiatives for 2009 and beyond
8. Update the role and functions of the Pacific Platform for DRM and discuss the Global Platform for DRR.

The meeting will involve a range of presentations and will also include group discussions amongst participants.