by Charley Piringi
In Koror, Palau
Palau has officially broken ground for a new national humanitarian warehouse program, a landmark step in strengthening disaster preparedness across the Pacific region.
The island nation is the second in the Pacific to start construction under the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP), following Kiribati’s launch in 2022.
Solomon Islands and other Pacific countries are already in the early planning and design phases of their warehousing program.
Solomon Islands Minister for Environment Solomon Islands Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management, and Meteorology, Polycarp Paea said, the ceremony demonstrates regional cooperation and Palau’s leadership in disaster preparedness actions for its people.
“The groundbreaking ceremony that we witnessed today is a direct result of regional commitment and demonstrated strong leadership by Palau in paving the way forward. This emphasizes moving from talk to Action.”
He added, “I would strongly encourage Solomon Islanders to take ownership of any program designed for their benefit, be it in governance, infrastructure, health, education, or economic development.”
The groundbreaking coincided with the Second Pacific Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Ministers Meeting in Palau, where regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a more resilient and united Pacific in the face of climate and disaster risks.
Palau Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch said the facility reflects a long-term commitment to preparedness and self-reliance.
“This location is ideal, between the Red Cross and NEMO, and it reflects our commitment to self-reliance and preparedness,” he said.
Palau Vice President Raynold B. Oilouch during the Palau Warehouse groundbreaking ceremony today in Koror, Palau.
The PHWP, led by the Pacific Community (SPC) and supported by Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, emphasizes Pacific-led collaboration and local ownership.
SPC Deputy Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili highlighted the program’s regional significance which demonstrates “true Pacific-led collaboration,” bringing together governments, partners, and communities to strengthen resilience.
“By 2031, the PHWP aims to ensure Pacific countries can manage disaster response more independently, with pre-positioned supplies and locally managed systems.”
SPC Deputy Director-General Dr. Paula Vivili during the launch of the Palau Warehouse today.
Solomon Islands is set to have its provincial warehouse program built in Auki, Malaita Province by 2027, and the national warehouse built in Honiara.
The Malaita warehouses will be supported by the SPC-led Pacific Humanitarian Warehouse Program, and the national one will be supported by the Australian government.
The ministerial meeting concluded with a series of declarations and commitments aimed at strengthening disaster resilience, enhancing regional coordination, and advancing the vision of a more secure and prepared Pacific.
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