Port Moresby, 20 March 2025 – Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has welcomed the National Executive Council’s (NEC) approval of the review of Papua New Guinea’s emergency response mechanism and the Terms of Reference for the establishment of the proposed National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA).
The decision, made under NEC Decision No: 300/2024, aligns with international best practices to enhance the country’s disaster preparedness and response system. This significant initiative is built upon the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030, a non-binding agreement adopted by 187 United Nations member states. The framework aims to substantially reduce disaster risks and losses in lives, livelihoods, health, and economic, social, cultural, and environmental assets by 2030.In Papua New Guinea, the National Disaster Centre (NDC), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has translated the SFDRR into a national framework titled the PNG National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework 2017-2030. This framework, endorsed by the NEC in 2019, is designed to reduce disaster risk and increase community resilience by 2030. The NDC has since been benefiting from additional support from the UN systems during times of disaster.
However, the current National Disaster Centre, established in 1984, faces limitations in providing complete oversight of the Disaster Risk Management Cycle (DRMC), which comprises four phases: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. While PNG’s disaster risk management practices are generally in harmony with the UN and international principles of DRMC, the establishment of NEMA will provide a more effective disaster management mechanism to ensure comprehensive implementation of these phases.
Prime Minister Marape stated, “The creation of NEMA will ensure better coordination, oversight, and implementation of our disaster response systems. It will strengthen our nation’s capacity to respond to both natural and man-made disasters, ensuring the safety
and resilience of our people.”
Guided by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework 2017-2030, NDC will continue to play a central role in implementing the DRMC. However, the establishment of NEMA will enhance collaboration and coordination across various government agencies, including the National Fire Service, National Weather Service, National Maritime Safety Authority, Rabaul Observatory, Provincial Governments, and the Port Moresby Geophysical Observatory.
“The frequency of disasters hitting our country highlights the urgency of reviewing our emergency mechanisms. The establishment of NEMA is a timely and necessary step in safeguarding Papua New Guinea and its citizens from natural and human-induced disasters,” Prime Minister Marape added. This move marks a proactive step by the Government in strengthening disaster resilience and preparedness across the nation.