Dili, March 27, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Home Affairs, through the State Secretary for Civil Protection, in collaboration with the Cruz Vermelha Timor-Leste (CVTL), held a meeting regarding the Disaster Risk Management Network in the country. This activity took place at the CVTL Formosa Complex on Wednesday.
The General Secretary of CVTL, Luis Pedro Pinto, said that the Disaster Risk Management Network meeting is led by APC every three months, bringing together ministerial ranks along with international and local partners to exchange ideas on future activities for better development
“Disaster risk management is not only the responsibility of the Ministry or a single organization, but rather a collective effort of all partners working together to address disaster risk management issues that constantly occur in the country,“ said the General Secretary of CVTL, Luis Pedro Pinto.
He added that this meeting was held to share information among organizations regarding their thoughts and ideas, in order to implement disaster intervention programs more effectively in the future.
“This meeting will discuss the terms of reference regarding the Disaster Risk Management Network to provide ideas and insights so that we can obtain approval from the President for the future. This will ensure that all partners are committed to implementing disaster management programs within the network, allowing for better development of these programs in the future,” he said.
He emphasized the challenges faced by the government and all partners in having sufficient knowledge and resources to respond effectively. However, the greater challenge is the situation that communities constantly face, as their needs sometimes force them to remain in high-risk areas, leading to disasters.
“I believe that some communities have made significant contributions in supporting the leadership of the government and all partners through the APC, which has provided excellent guidance to convince some communities not to remain in high-risk areas,” he stated.
He affirmed that this program will continue to be implemented so that communities can gain knowledge to assess extreme situations. With the acquired knowledge, they can better identify vulnerabilities within their own communities and address the challenges they face.
“Investing in disaster risk management, particularly in the preparation phase, is far more effective than simply responding to disasters. In the future, to improve our work, greater investment must be made in communities. We need to prepare communities with proper knowledge and proactive measures in disaster-related matters so that we can overcome these challenges.” He stated.
He expressed that preparation with proper knowledge is crucial at this moment, and in the future, it can be further improved to carry out better interventions.
He stated, “Moving forward, this program continues to be implemented, both by APC and with the involvement of international and local agencies. After that, the UN will continue to work together to raise awareness and provide information to communities living in high-risk areas.”
He reported on the situation in two areas, such as heavy rainfall and storms, which can provide an opportunity to increase community awareness for those living in high-risk areas. Moving forward, all partners will work together with the government to directly provide knowledge to communities using various media platforms, thereby enhancing their awareness and reducing disaster risks.
In a separate statement, APC President Jesuino dos R.M. Carvalho said that the objective of this meeting was to share ideas on how to strengthen disaster risk management, which continues to occur, as the government plans a budget that includes support for development partners as well.
“We also need to prepare well, as this is part of the Ministerial line, and we must work together with partners who facilitate CVTL activities, along with international and local NGOs, in order to share ideas on how to reduce disaster risks, which continue to occur in the country.” said APC President Jesuino dos R.M. Carvalho.
He emphasized that during this time, the government and development partners are working together to share ideas, which will help communities that are constantly facing disaster risks.
He further explained that regarding this meeting the government, through the Civil Protection Authority, and development partners is aimed at discussing disaster risk management issues to share ideas. This will provide direct training to communities or through media platforms, so that communities are equipped with knowledge to mitigate the disaster risks that continuously occur in the country. Top of FormBottom of Form
Reported by : Nelfiano
Picture by : Nelfiano