Fiji develops National Emergency Telecommunication Plan to strengthen disaster resilience
Fiji took a significant step toward enhancing its disaster preparedness by developing a National Emergency Telecommunication Plan (NETP).
Developed with support from the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT) of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the NETP is a living document designed to ensure that critical communication systems are available and operational before, during, and after emergencies. It also supports first responders in coordinating humanitarian activities and enables the timely dissemination of lifesaving alerts to the public.
Given its history of devastating tropical cyclones and other natural hazards, Fiji has made telecommunications infrastructure a vital component of its disaster preparedness strategy. The development of the NETP aligns with the country’s Natural Disaster Management Act (1998), the National Disaster Management Plan (1995), and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy (2018–2030).
The NETP helps stakeholders in disaster response and the broader information and communications technology sector by clarifying needs and priorities. This contributes to the strengthening of telecommunications infrastructure and improving the country’s overall resilience to disasters.
The plan addresses regulatory issues and outlines protocols for maintaining connectivity, emphasizing the use of satellite communications, mobile networks, and radio systems. It also includes training for emergency personnel, guidelines for equipment deployment, and coordination mechanisms among government agencies and telecom providers.
BDT’s involvement in the development of Fiji’s NETP reflects its broader commitment to supporting vulnerable countries in Asia and the Pacific region.
Supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan, the development of the NETP followed a comprehensive, consultation-based approach involving a wide range of stakeholders. Input was gathered not only from information disseminators such as telecommunications operators and broadcasters, but also from United Nations agencies—including the World Food Programme, which leads the Pacific Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC)—as well as various government bodies. These included Fiji’s National Disaster Management Office and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, which is responsible for preserving Fijian culture and promoting the economic and social development of indigenous Fijians.
As a result, the NETP is aligned with the National Disaster Risk Management Act (2024) and lays the groundwork for the integration of traditional knowledge and indigenous approaches into early warning systems. This integration will be facilitated through the national ETC platform, led by Fiji’s Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications.
Fiji’s NETP also aligns with international frameworks such as the UN Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative, in which ITU leads global efforts to ensure timely and effective dissemination and communication of warnings in the event of disasters.
This is an ITU Development #DigitalImpactUnlocked story
This story is published in observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day, a United Nations international day held annually on 5 November to promote global efforts in disaster risk reduction and preparedness.