Outcome FIJ_D_4.1

By 2027, people, communities and institutions are more empowered and resilient to face diverse shocks and disasters, especially related to climate change, and ecosystems and biodiversity are better protected, managed and restored. [PCF Strategic Priority 4: Planet]

Disaster and climate governance systems across Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu operated in 2025 with more formalised integration of gender equality and protection within decision-making processes than in previous reporting cycles. Inclusive standards that were previously applied through technical accompaniment are now embedded within activation frameworks, coordination protocols and assessment systems. This shift reflects movement from capacity-building toward institutional practice, strengthening the ability of national duty bearers to fulfil their responsibilities in ways that reduce discrimination and improve equitable access to early warning, protection and recovery support for populations facing structural barriers linked to geography, gender, disability and informality. In Fiji , this institutional shift is evident in the way anticipatory action now operates. The revised National Anticipatory Action Framework for Tropical Cyclones embeds protection-sensitive activation thresholds, ensuring that early action decisions are informed by hazard exposure and differentiated risk profiles. Coordination between the National Disaster Management Office, Fiji Meteorological Service, Ministry for Women &Social Protection and Ministry of Finance incorporates analysis of women-headed households, persons with disabilities and remote maritime communities once forecast triggers are reached. Protection representation within the Anticipatory Action Technical Working Group formalises this sequencing, aligning welfare mobilisation with meteorological activation and strengthening equity in early response. A similar consolidation is visible in Tonga , where disaster governance now functions with protection-sensitive coordination embedded across national and sub-national systems. Protection responsibilities are integrated into disaster management procedures across 22 government and non-government institutions, clarifying roles and strengthening consistent application of protection standards during emergencies. Standardised gender and protection assessment methodologies are embedded within national response architecture, enabling systematic collection and use of differentiated risk data to guide prioritisation of services, including in outer island contexts where access barriers are pronounced. In Vanuatu , lessons from the 2024 earthquake response have been institutionalised within national crisis governance. Emergency sequencing now includes codified protection and gender integration across shelter, WASH and early recovery coordination structures. Embedding these arrangements within formal procedures positions the system to deliver more predictable and inclusive responses in future crises. Climate governance processes have also evolved. In Kiribati , gender–environment evidence now informs national climate planning and Nationally Determined Contribution enhancement discussions. Strengthened coordination between environment, finance, statistics and women’s ministries reflects improved capacity to interpret and apply differentiated climate risk data in policy and financing decisions. As a result, vulnerabilities affecting outer island and atoll communities—such as water scarcity, coastal erosion and constrained livelihood options—are more explicitly reflected in adaptation planning dialogue. These national developments are reinforced at regional level. Humanitarian coordination mechanisms across the Pacific operate with more harmonised protection standards and shared preparedness benchmarks. Cross-cluster planning integrates GBV risk mitigation, child protection considerations and disability inclusion within seasonal preparedness analysis. A Seasonal Preparedness Survey covering 12 Pacific countries documented over 200 preparedness actions, strengthening collective visibility of service coverage and enabling earlier identification of coordination gaps before cyclone season. As institutional systems have matured, civil society influence has become more structured. Women-led and community-based organisations exercised measurable influence over four government-led humanitarian and resilience processes during the year, ensuring that protection and inclusion priorities were reflected within recovery and preparedness frameworks. In Vanuatu , Market Vendor Associations secured recognition of livelihood protection within national recovery coordination, safeguarding income continuity for informal women traders. Women’s organisations also contributed to shaping recovery frameworks to prioritise safety, psychosocial support and equitable service access for vulnerable populations. At regional level, the Pacific Resilience Partnership 2025–2030 Strategy formally incorporated gender equality and disability inclusion commitments following civil society recommendations. Furthermore, eight women-led organisations across Fiji , Samoa , Tonga and Vanuatu met formal eligibility requirements for the Regional Humanitarian Pooled Fund, establishing recognised entry points into regional financing systems and strengthening their ability to engage in formal resource allocation processes. Protection integration within preparedness systems has become more systematic across the region. Gender-based violence referral pathways were validated in 14 Pacific countries, strengthening continuity of services before emergencies occur. In Fiji , welfare and protection pathways now activate alongside hazard triggers, improving timeliness of support for groups facing mobility or caregiving barriers. In Tonga , protection-sensitive assessment methodologies inform response prioritisation within cluster coordination practice. In Vanuatu , inclusive service considerations are embedded within sectoral coordination during emergency sequencing, strengthening access for women and persons with disabilities in geographically isolated contexts. Community-level resilience systems supported in prior years remained operational in 2025 and were increasingly linked to formal disaster governance structures. In Solomon Islands , adaptive agriculture and fuel depot systems continued supplying hazard-prone islands during seasonal shocks, reinforcing livelihood continuity within areas integrated into national preparedness planning. In Fiji , food preservation and value-adding practices were incorporated into broader anticipatory discussions on household-level risk mitigation. In Vanuatu and Kiribati , early warning tools, crop adaptation practices and renewable energy systems were maintained within communities connected to national coordination mechanisms. While adoption remains uneven due to economic and infrastructure constraints, these systems demonstrate sustained behavioural uptake and continued integration within institutional preparedness frameworks rather than isolated pilot activity. Across these strands, disaster and climate governance systems in 2025 functioned with clearer protection mandates, stronger cross-sector coordination and more structured civil society participation. All six countries continue implementing Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, and national disaster risk reduction systems are strengthening alignment with the Sendai Framework. Improvements in anticipatory action, protection coordination and gender-responsive climate planning contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal 13 by reinforcing inclusive governance as a foundation of resilience. Governments, disaster management authorities, sector ministries and civil society actors led these institutional and behavioural shifts. UN Women contributed technical guidance, protection standards, evidence integration and coordination support through leadership of the Pacific Humanitarian Protection Cluster, advisory input to anticipatory action systems and facilitation of gender–environment data integration. Policy mandates, framework adoption and implementation remained under national ownership.

By 2027, people, communities and institutions are more empowered and resilient to face diverse shocks and disasters, especially related to climate change, and ecosystems and biodiversity are better protected, managed and restored. [PCF Strategic Priority 4: Planet]

This outcome is on track. In the humanitarian and disaster risk reduction sector in the Pacific, institutions are restructuring their strategies to prioritize gender equality, protection, and inclusion to build resilience to disasters. This has involved policy reforms, fostering coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, engaging communities, building capacities, sharing knowledge, utilizing data, and advocating for change. These efforts have enabled stakeholders across the Pacific to address the multifaceted challenges of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and work towards sustainable resilience. Further to institutional strengthening, there has been a concerted effort in empowering women and girls and building supportive enabling environments through community engagement and other avenues. These efforts have addressed the specific vulnerabilities experienced by women and girls during crises. Indeed, the active involvement of women, girls, and diverse stakeholders in decision-making and implementation processes, institutions and individuals are paving the way for resilient and sustainable futures for Pacific communities. This shift towards gender equality and social inclusion not only improves disaster management practices but also fosters long-term sustainability in the Pacific region. These endeavors signify an important change towards more inclusive, gender-responsive, community-driven, and evidence-based approaches to disaster and climate resilience. The following are noteworthy: UN Women's leadership of the Pacific Humanitarian Protection Cluster (PHPC) has improved coordination and communication among cluster members. This leadership role has facilitated the mainstreaming of gender, social inclusion, and protection across various humanitarian clusters. The capacity of regional, national, and UN humanitarian organizations to integrate gender, social inclusion, and protection into their actions continue to grow through UN Women’s support. By working with Protection Clusters, Technical Working Groups, governments and civil society organizations, UN Women facilitates collaboration and knowledge-sharing to ensure that gender, social inclusion, and protection considerations are integrated into humanitarian and disaster risk reduction efforts. Capacity building on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) for partners has fostered ethical responsibilities and the importance of maintaining community trust and well-being during crisis situations. The integration of gender and social inclusion across postgraduate courses at the University of the South Pacific demonstrates a proactive approach to educating future professionals in disaster management, thereby ensuring a cadre of knowledgeable and skilled individuals equipped to address complex challenges. More women are taking on leadership roles and effectively engaging in preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. This signifies a shift towards recognizing the importance of gender equality and inclusion in disaster management. At rural community level, organisations have adopted gender-responsive approaches by prioritizing the empowerment of women. This approach acknowledges historical exclusion and aims to address gender disparities by providing tailored training programs that cater to the specific needs and roles of women. Specific initiatives, such as refresher training for village-based Community Disaster and Climate Change Committees (CDCCCs) in Vanuatu, comprehensive training in food security and livelihoods in the Solomon Islands, and capacity-building workshops in several countries, target women and girls, equipping them with knowledge, skills, and tools to actively contribute to disaster resilience efforts. Furthermore, programs such as the menstrual health initiative by World Vision Vanuatu and the climate and disaster-resilient livelihood program by VANWODS in Vanuatu address specific needs of women and girls in disaster-prone areas. Furthermore, in the Solomon Islands, collaborations with the National Protection Committee is seeing the integration of GBV considerations into DRR efforts to mitigate the risks of violence faced by women and girls during disasters and contribute to building more resilient communities. By providing knowledge, skills, and resources tailored to their needs, these initiatives enhance the ability of women and girls to maintain health, dignity, and livelihoods during and after disasters. The empowerment of local leaders and stakeholders, particularly women indigenous leaders, has fostered inclusivity, ownership and sustainability of resilience-building activities. Initiatives like the 'Women-Weather-Watch' programme in Fiji are empowering women to take on inclusive and innovative leadership roles in disaster and climate resilience efforts. An advocacy video featuring female negotiators from Fiji, Kiribati, and Vanuatu highlights the importance of integrating Pacific women's priorities into post-COP27 actions. This video serves as a catalyst for gender-responsive DRR and climate resilience strategies by raising awareness among decision-makers and practitioners. The active participation and leadership of three key female national leaders from Fiji, Kiribati, and Niue in the discussions and events at COP28 gave prominence to their presence and engagement on the importance of gender perspectives in climate change discourse and the need for inclusive approaches to climate action. By speaking at different pavilions and side events, these female leaders contributed to raising awareness about gender-responsive climate financing, the changing landscape of climate financing in the Asia-Pacific region, and the intersection of gender and climate change. Their involvement also underscores the commitment of their respective countries and the Pacific region as a whole to addressing gender inequalities and promoting women's empowerment in climate change initiatives. Overall, their presence at COP28 signifies a significant step towards integrating gender considerations into global climate policy and action. The involvement of women-led organizations in disaster preparedness and resilience-building activities signifies a shift towards greater community engagement and participation. By actively involving local women in decision-making and capacity-building efforts, these initiatives are more likely to be contextually relevant and sustainable. Furthermore, the involvement of women groups, organisations for persons with disabilities and persons with diverse SOGIESC in policy development and review processes in Fiji reflects a commitment to inclusive decision-making and governance, ensuring that the perspectives and needs of marginalized groups are considered. Vulnerability assessments and analyses, such as the one conducted for older persons in Fiji and Vanuatu, have contributed to a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities and areas for improvement in disaster response and preparedness. The publication of Protection and Cluster-specific Tip Sheets by the PHPC serves as a valuable resource for advocacy and awareness-raising. These tip sheets provide practical guidance for incorporating protection into various response activities, including Cash and Voucher Assistance and Evacuation Centre Management. Moreover, initiatives like the development of circular economy models by ADRA in Fiji and the provision of solar home systems by VANWODS in Vanuatu showcase innovative approaches to building resilience. While addressing immediate needs these initiatives also contribute to long-term sustainability and adaptation to climate change.

By 2027, people, communities and institutions are more empowered and resilient to face diverse shocks and disasters, especially related to climate change, and ecosystems and biodiversity are better protected, managed and restored. [PCF Strategic Priority 4: Planet]

Women's Resilience to Disasters (WRD) Pacific communities, institutions, and individuals have become more resilient and empowered to face diverse shocks and disasters, particularly those related to climate change, with significant strides made in protecting, managing, and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity. The WRD Programme has also directly impacted 6,412 women, including 158 women with disabilities and 84 LGBTQI+ individuals, by enabling access to critical information, goods, resources, and services. In Fiji, 2,837 women, 57 women living with disabilities, and 81 individuals identifying as LGBTQI+, benefited from initiatives such as parametric microinsurance, disaster preparedness awareness sessions, and training on climate-smart agriculture. As a result, many women in disaster-prone communities have gained the ability to anticipate risks, diversify their income sources, and make informed financial decisions, reducing their vulnerability to extreme weather events. In the Solomon Islands, 1,900 women and 37 women living with disabilities accessed resources like gardening tools, soil improvement training, and inclusive disaster preparedness strategies through Provincial Protection Committees. Women have since applied these skills to strengthen food security in their communities, improving crop yields and ensuring a more stable food supply even in the face of disasters. In Vanuatu,1,141 women, 47 women living with disabilities, and one LGBTQI+ individual engaged in disaster risk reduction training, financial literacy programs, and solar-powered business solutions to sustain their livelihoods during crises. With enhanced financial literacy and access to alternative energy solutions, women entrepreneurs can now keep their businesses running even when traditional power sources fail, securing income for their families. In Kiribati, 321 women and 8 women living with disabilities participated in community-based DRR training and accessed knowledge products to enhance disaster preparedness. This has led to greater participation of women in local disaster planning, where they are now actively engaged in decision-making processes to strengthen community resilience. Regionally, 213 women, including nine with disabilities, gained insights through convenings and capacity-building workshops promoting gender-responsive DRR policies. Many have since leveraged these skills to influence policy discussions, ensuring that disaster and climate resilience efforts better reflect the needs of women, LGBTQI+ communities, and persons with disabilities. The Programme has also enhanced the resilience of 221 women entrepreneurs in Fiji and Vanuatu. In Fiji, 161 women adopted disaster-resilient business practices, such as food preservation and screen printing, while in Vanuatu, 60 entrepreneurs enhanced their resilience and business continuity by obtaining/introducing solar-powered appliances to sustain operations during disasters. Notably, thanks to the introduction of parametric microinsurance in Fiji that provided rapid payouts, 405 women bolstered their financial security and resilience after extreme weather events. Furthermore, through strengthened policies, action plans, and institutional capacities, state and non-state actors have embraced approaches that address the unique vulnerabilities and needs of women, girls, and marginalised groups, building more equitable and sustainable systems. This transformation reflects a regional shift towards inclusive governance, as national disaster management offices, ministries responsible for women, climate change, and social protection, along with provincial and community-level institutions, have systematically integrated gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) into disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience efforts. Across the Pacific, governments and CSOs have demonstrated a commitment to inclusive resilience. In Fiji, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy (NDRRP) and the National Humanitarian Policy (NHP) now incorporate GEDSI indicators and emphasise the collection and use of sex, age, and disability-disaggregated data (SADDD). These updates ensure disaster recovery strategies effectively address the needs of vulnerable groups. Kiribati’s collaboration with the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) led to the creation of a Climate-Smart and Inclusive CBDRR Manual.Thanks to the manual, women and girls led disaster preparedness activities and strengthened community resilience. In the Solomon Islands, Provincial Protection Committees in Choiseul and Western Provinces have implemented gender-responsive annual workplans with dedicated budgets, addressing the needs of women and marginalised groups. Similarly, in Vanuatu, women have strengthened their leadership and decision-making roles in disaster preparedness by actively engaging in the development of gender-responsive budgeting (GRB) assessments and disaster-specific plans, such as the Tsunami and Volcano Response Plans. These initiatives, supported by the WRD Programme, have enabled women to advocate for and influence resource allocation and preparedness strategies, ensuring that disaster response mechanisms address their specific needs and priorities.Women’s Resilience to Disasters (WRD) Programme has also played a pivotal role in driving these changes by providing targeted capacity-building support and fostering institutional resilience. In Fiji, training on gender assessments and disability sensitisation equipped government staff to integrate gender-responsive approaches into resource allocation and disaster planning. In Vanuatu, Provincial National Disaster Management Offices (NDMOs) received training to enhance gender-sensitive disaster response reporting, while in the Solomon Islands, GBV training and support for Provincial Protection Committees resulted in the development of inclusive workplans aligned with provincial disaster management priorities. These efforts have also empowered 66 women’s organisations across the region, including femLINKpacific, AMAK, and VANWODS, to improve service delivery to women and marginalised communities. To sustain progress and momentum, WRD established and maintained 34 dialogues, mechanisms, and platforms that empower women leaders and marginalised groups to influence decision-making. The Women’s Resilience to Disasters Knowledge Hub provided resources to climate change and DRR practitioners, while the Community of Practice in Vanuatu fostered knowledge-sharing among women leaders. Women’s participation in global forums, including COP29 and the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), amplifies their agency and leadership in shaping inclusive policies that address the unique vulnerabilities of women, girls, and marginalised groups in the Pacific region. At the national level, initiatives like the Community Disaster and Climate Change Committees (CDCCCs) in Vanuatu and Protection Committees in the Solomon Islands institutionalised gender equality within disaster preparedness systems. These combined efforts have empowered Pacific communities, institutions, and individuals to better face disasters and climate-related challenges. By strengthening capacities, promoting inclusivity, and fostering collaboration, the region is advancing toward more resilient, equitable, and sustainable futures.