Fiji: Vasiti Soko is the first female Director of Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO). Since she was appointed in 2019, Vasiti coordinated Fiji’s response to seven tropical cyclones and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Vasiti has worked to ensure effective inter-cluster coordination with a focus on resource mobilisation, leadership, reporting, information sharing, and inclusion of vulnerable groups.

As Director she introduced changes that included the introduction of sign language during press conferences, and engaging private sector partners in emergencies, as part of a plan to build an inclusive disaster response network.

Being at the helm of the NDMO has enabled Vasiti and her team to improve the level of preparedness across the country. One way they’ve done this is by making key messages on disasters more accessible “Making them accessible to people living with disabilities, and translating them into the vernacular languages has enabled us to clearly disseminate messages on building back better, food security and psychological support. This helps to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Vasiti has lived experience of disasters, “I've seen firsthand the impact of disasters and climate change. I experienced many cyclones and floods that caused widespread damage and affected the lives of many communities, and this motivated me to try and make a difference if I ever got the opportunity.” READ MORE