JOINT PRESS RELEASE: IOM Launches Regional Early Warning Systems Scale-Up Project in Fiji and Solomon Islands

Suva, Fiji | 11 May 2026 - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Coordination Office for the South Pacific, with support from the Government of Japan and the Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office today formally launched the Catalyzing Resilience: Early Warning System Scale-Up in Fiji and Solomon Islands project through a two-day regional planning workshop in Suva.

While launching the initiate Japanese Ambassador to Fiji H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Tajima reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to disaster risk reduction and highlighted the tangible results of its partnership with IOM and Pacific governments.

“Japan has long been committed to supporting Pacific Island countries in disaster risk reduction, guided by our vision of human security and our strong partnerships across the region,” the Ambassador said. “This builds on Japan’s earlier support in Fiji and the Solomon Islands, which has already delivered tangible last-mile improvements, including strengthened Emergency Operations Centers, enhanced tsunami signage, and improved early warning communication systems in remote islands, helping communities receive clearer, more actionable warnings.”

“What is particularly important is that this project brings together government, technical agencies, telecommunications partners, and communities—reflecting the kind of coordinated, whole-of-system approach that is needed to make early warning systems effective in practice,” he noted.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, IOM Project Development Officer Etsuko Inoue emphasized the importance of long-standing partnerships in advancing disaster resilience across the region.

“I would particularly like to acknowledge the presence and support of the Government of Japan, whose partnership continues to play an important role in strengthening disaster resilience and early warning capacities across the Pacific,” she said. “Importantly, this initiative is not simply about equipment or technology. It is about ensuring that warnings reach communities in time, that institutions are able to coordinate effectively, and that people are empowered to take early action to protect lives and livelihoods.”

Director NDRMO, Napolioni Boseiwaqa stated “This workshop provides an important opportunity for Fiji and Solomon Islands to share experiences and best practices, discuss contextual realities and identify priority gaps.”

“In this environment, strong early warning systems are essential. Effective early warning systems allow governments, responders, and communities to act early, reduce impacts and save lives. Strong coordination mechanisms and functional emergency operation centers are central to this effort,” he added.

The workshop, held on 11–12 May 2026 in Suva, serves as the official opening of the project and provides a platform for stakeholders from Fiji and Solomon Islands to align on priorities, approaches, and expected outcomes. Discussions focus on strengthening coordination, improving dissemination systems, and ensuring early warning information is clear, actionable, and able to reach communities, particularly those in remote and high-risk areas, in a timely manner.

For more information contact Roneel Lal, Senior Communications and Media Associate, IOM
rlal@iom.int