In preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), an online consultation was held on August 15, 2024. Focusing on "Preparing for Recovery: An Imperative for Building Back Better in the Pacific”, the consultation was organized under the leadership of the Office of Civil Defense of the Government of the Philippines, in partnership with the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the lines of an earlier consultation organized for Asian Countries on 24 and 25 June 2024. The Pacific Consultation was also supported by the Pacific Resilience Partnership and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

In his opening message, Assistant Secretary Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV of the Office of Civil Defense, Philippines, highlighted that "the necessity for strategic and resilient recovery has never been more critical." He pointed out that past disasters, such as Typhoon Haiyan and the Marawi crisis, have taught valuable lessons, emphasizing the need not just to rebuild, but to rebuild better, with stronger infrastructure and enhanced community resilience.

During the consultation, senior representatives from national governments and key Pacific stakeholders shared their experiences and discussed strategic approaches to recovery. They also engaged in interactive polls via Mentimeter, focusing on critical aspects such as Governance, Finance, Capacity Building, and the use of Knowledge and Data for Informed Recovery

The consultation also underscored the vital role of data and knowledge in shaping effective recovery strategies. As Ms. Gabrielle Emery from UNDRR noted, "our discussions today are timely, as Pacific leaders are preparing to meet and discuss transformative resilient Pacific initiatives." She stressed the importance of data-driven decision-making and the inclusion of gender and disability considerations in recovery planning.

A significant focus of the discussion was the need for pre-arranged financing for recovery efforts. Mr. Waymine Towai from Palau highlighted that "Recovery is the most expensive portion of disaster risk management, and it's crucial to have contingency funds and agreements in place to initiate recovery efforts immediately after a disaster." This perspective was echoed by other participants, who emphasized the necessity of sustainable and predictable financing mechanisms to ensure that resources are available promptly when needed.

Another critical theme that emerged was risk governance. Mr. Napolioni Boseiwaqa from Fiji's National Disaster Management Office explained that "We have set up an all-hazards and whole-of-society approach, particularly for coordination frameworks and disaster legislation." Capacity Development being a core pillar, this approach ensures that recovery efforts are comprehensive and inclusive, involving communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

The event concluded with a strong call to action, urging the participants to contribute to developing a comprehensive roadmap for resilient recovery in the Pacific. The insights and outcomes from this consultation will play a significant role in the discussions at the APMCDRR scheduled for October 2024, as well as the 53rd Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting later in August 2024. As participants reflected on the day's discussions, there was a shared understanding that "building back better" is not merely a goal but a critical necessity for ensuring the future safety and resilience of the Pacific region.