NUKU’ALOFA — Tonga is taking further steps to ensure no one is left behind during disasters after the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) participated in a regional training programme focused on making emergency response more accessible and inclusive for vulnerable communities.
The NDRMO represented Tonga at the Pacific Humanitarian Warehousing Program (PHWP) Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Accessibility Audit Training, held in Nadi, Fiji, from 28–31 July.
The four-day programme brought together disaster management officials, infrastructure agencies and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) from across the Pacific to strengthen the integration of gender equality, disability inclusion and accessibility into disaster preparedness, emergency response and recovery planning.
Representing Tonga was Principal Emergency Operations and Response Manager Lazarus Vaipulu, who joined regional counterparts in developing practical approaches to building more inclusive disaster management systems.
The training marked an important milestone in strengthening disaster risk management across the Pacific by equipping participants with practical knowledge and tools to better support vulnerable communities during emergencies.
Further, the programme also encouraged stronger collaboration between National Disaster Risk Management Offices, infrastructure agencies and disability organisations, recognising that effective humanitarian response depends on coordinated action across multiple sectors.
A key component of the training focused on conducting accessibility audits to identify physical and operational barriers that may prevent people with disabilities, women, older persons and other vulnerable groups from accessing emergency shelters, relief services and disaster response facilities.
Participants also explored ways to improve humanitarian logistics and ensure emergency assistance is delivered more effectively and equitably across Pacific island countries.
The knowledge and skills gained through the training will help strengthen Tonga’s disaster preparedness policies and emergency response systems, while reinforcing the country’s commitment to ensuring all communities—including those most at risk—are protected during disasters.
The NDRMO said it remains committed to applying the lessons learned and working with regional partners to build a more resilient, inclusive and people-centred disaster management system for Tonga.
