Palau Develops National Anticipatory Action Framework in Workshop
The Republic of Palau is vulnerable to various climate-induced hazards, including tropical cyclones, storm surges, and severe rainfall. These events frequently lead to flooding, damage infrastructure, and disrupt essential services. Significant past events, such as Typhoon Surigae in 2021, Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, and Typhoon Bopha in 2012, have highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures in disaster management.
Development of the National Anticipatory Action Framework
In February 2025, the National Emergency Management Office (NEMO), the Palau Weather Service (PWS), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conducted a scoping and feasibility mission. This mission aimed to explore the establishment of a National Anticipatory Action (AA) Framework in response to the identified threats.
Political Commitment and Support
This initiative received strong support from key stakeholders, including the Vice-President and the National Emergency Committee (NEC). Their endorsement reflects a strategic intent to incorporate anticipatory and pre-financed approaches into the country’s disaster management and financing frameworks.
Formation of Working Group and Workshop
Following the mission, NEMO established the Palau Anticipatory Action Technical Working Group. This group, supported by the PHT AA Technical Working Group, is tasked with coordinating the design of the National Anticipatory Action Framework.
A national workshop served as a crucial next step. This participatory forum aimed to enhance understanding of anticipatory action, foster ownership among stakeholders, and collaboratively design the operational, institutional, and financial components of the framework.
Key Objectives of the Framework
- Enhance understanding of anticipatory action among stakeholders.
- Strengthen ownership and support for disaster management initiatives.
- Co-design operational components tailored to tropical cyclone scenarios.
- Integrate financing options for proactive disaster risk reduction.
Through these efforts, Palau aims to improve its resilience to climate-induced disasters and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of its citizens. The formation of a National Anticipatory Action Framework is a pivotal step toward achieving this goal.
