As the drought worsens in Papua New Guinea, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted a week long Disaster Risk Management training for Provincial Disaster Coordinators and other Government officials. The workshop aimed to build capacity, improve preparedness, response and resilience in dealing with natural disasters using the current draught scenario of the most affected provinces hit by El Niño in Papua New Guinea: Jiwaka, West and East New Britain, Madang, Oro, and Morobe. Participants applied new learning and technical knowledge - in assessments, protection, shelter and non-food items, water, sanitation and hygiene, and livelihood programming.

During the Opening Ceremony, George Gigauri, Head of IOM in PNG, pointed out “Now more than ever me must pull together and apply our knowledge and skills, as your actions in the Provinces will have direct impact on people’s lives and livelihoods”. The workshop, in addition to exposing participants to humanitarian standards, encouraged participants to develop and discuss tools and indicators in the context of drought preparedness and response planning in their particular provinces. IOM remains committed to support future capacity building needs such as the drought response program to support the provinces in building resilience in affected communities, together with NDC, Provincial Administrations and humanitarian partners. The training was funded by the Governments of US, Australia and ‘One UN’ Fund.

For more information please contact George Gigauri at IOM Port Moresby, Email: ggigauri@iom.int, Tel. +675 73200136