BEIJING, China – 20th November 2025. Solomon Islands representative at a high-level international exchange program in China has told the gathering that climate change is a daily reality for the Pacific region, which stands at the frontline of the global climate crisis.
Speaking on behalf of the Pacific Island Countries present at exchange program Human Resources Manager for the Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Mr. Andrew Richardson Noli outlined how rising sea levels, intensified tropical cyclones, prolonged droughts, and heavy rainfall events are impacting economies, security, and the very survival of our communities.
These challenges are magnified for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) by factors such as modest economic capacities, geographic isolation, and limited technical and financial resources.
Mr. Noli said despite demonstrating unwavering resilience and leadership, particularly through enhanced national disaster management frameworks and regional cooperation, the Pacific faces several critical, persistent gaps that require urgent attention.
These include Insufficient or aging emergency response equipment (including communication systems, search and rescue tools, and transportation assets), Outdated meteorological and hydrological infrastructure, which compromises the reliability and lead time of hazard forecasts and early warnings, Limited emergency facilities, such as fully equipped emergency operations centers, modern relief warehouses, and logistics hubs and Human resource constraints in specialized areas like geospatial analysis, hazard modelling, and rapid damage assessment.
Mr. Noli stressed that strengthening emergency management is not solely a technical concern but is central to building climate-resilient societies across the Pacific and safeguarding essential services and long-term development gains.
He noted that recent engagements, including visits to facilities like the National Institute of Natural Hazards, the Qingdao Emergency Management Bureau Command Centre, and the Ocean University of China, provided valuable insights into advanced research and cutting-edge technologies used in risk reduction and emergency management.
Mr Noli said the Pacific region reaffirmed its commitment to collective action through existing frameworks like the Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific, stressing that the Pacific believes in South–South cooperation and partnerships grounded in respect, equity, and shared benefit.
In closing, Mr. Noli extended sincere appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing support, expressing hope for deepening cooperation to secure a safer, more resilient, and more prosperous future for the region.
Source: Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM)