UN Representative praises Pacific Islands for Disaster Resilience [1]
Tuesday, February 25, 2014 - 17:16
Margareta Wahlstrom in Samoa
The United Nation’s Secretary-General's Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Margareta Wahlstrom has praised Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for their efforts in disaster risk reduction.
A statement by Wahlstrom released yesterday 24 February acknowledged the commitment of Pacific Island States, Carribean Island States and Indian Ocean Island States towards disaster protection.
Wahlstrom stated “SIDS are leading efforts to strengthen their resilience and build sustainable communities. On my recent visits to island States, I have been struck by both the resiliency and opportunity I witnessed.”
“From the efforts of Pacific Island States and territories to unite climate change adaptation and disaster risk management into one overarching strategy, to the engagement of the private sector in supporting risk management efforts in the Caribbean, to the proactive approach Indian Ocean States are taking to support risk-sensitive development through risk assessments and loss databases, SIDS are proactively pursuing solutions.”
Wahlstrom emphasized the importance of countries supporting SIDS. “However they cannot, and should not, have to do it alone. The impacts of disaster and climate risk are not theirs alone to face; what is being experienced in island States is a glimpse of what the entire planet will face in time.”
“We can deliver together, with concrete action and genuine partnerships.”
"Let us acknowledge the resilience of small-island developing States and practice what they have shown the world by example: be solutions-oriented."