The Bougainville Disaster Directorate recently hosted a consultative workshop to present and review its Strategic Plan for Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience 2025–2030. Secretary for the Department of Community Government, Ms. Belinda-Maree Lanbong, in her opening remarks, highlighted Bougainville’s vulnerability to natural disasters and stressed the importance of proactive preparedness. “To achieve significant development opportunities, build resilient communities and districts that understand disaster risks, investing in disaster preparedness through proper planning and capacity building are crucial,” she said. She also acknowledged the contributions of various stakeholders involved in developing the plan, with special appreciation for the United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN IOM) as a key partner. “We are grateful to the United Nations International Organization for Migration (UN IOM) for their continuous technical support since 2013, and to the National Disaster Centre for their ongoing support to Bougainville.” “Additionally, the office appreciates the contributions of individuals who have influenced the development of the disaster management plan,” she added. Director for Disaster and Emergency, Julius Nohu also noted that while the Bougainville Disaster Management Plan took several years to develop, it is now close to completion. “We are now at the stage where we are validating this key document, which has already been drafted, and that is the purpose of this workshop.” “The plan is called the ‘Bougainville Strategic Plan for Emergency Management & Disaster Resilience 2025–2030." Mr. Nohu further added that they have now concluded the validation process, and the next step is to submit the document to the Bougainville Regional Disaster Management Committee (BRDMC), which is headed by the Chief Secretary, to endorse this key document for the Government of Bougainville ahead of its submission to the new Bougainville House of Representatives when it is formed in September.