Handover Ceremony for National Emergency Operation Center
2022/12/2
On November 29, 2022, the handover ceremony for the National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) was held at the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM) in Palikir.
The extension of the NEOC is a part of Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience (EDCR) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which Japan contributed US$7.4 million to implement since March 2019. The EDCR project aims to strengthen the FSM’s ability to respond to the impacts of natural and climate change-related disasters through disaster preparedness and infrastructure improvements. VHF/HF radio installed at the NEOC would be utilized as a communication tool between the four states and remote islands in an emergency.
At the ceremony, Mr. Hierden, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for their support, which enables UNDP to work with the Government of the FSM on the enhancement of the country’s resilience to the impact of disasters and climate change and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Ambassador Michigami mentioned that Japan has been tackled with several disasters and her willingness to share lessons with other countries, and expected that the NEOC would be well prepared for emergencies anytime and prevent the loss of lives in the FSM.
The Hon. Andrew Yatillman, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, presented remarks on behalf of H.E. President Panuelo. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNDP, and all those involved in this project, and hoped that NEOC would function effectively as an emergency response system for the entire FSM in conjunction with facilities in each state.
After the ribbon cutting, the NEOC officers guided the attendees inside the new building, and the ceremony ended with high hopes for the significant role of the NEOC.
The ceremony was attended by the Hon. Andrew Yatillman, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, the Hon. Jane Chigiyal, Chief of Staff, H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, Mr. Jaap van Hierden, the UN Resident Coordinator, and Mr. Kevin Petrini, Deputy Resident Representative for the UNDP Pacific Office.
The extension of the NEOC is a part of Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience (EDCR) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which Japan contributed US$7.4 million to implement since March 2019. The EDCR project aims to strengthen the FSM’s ability to respond to the impacts of natural and climate change-related disasters through disaster preparedness and infrastructure improvements. VHF/HF radio installed at the NEOC would be utilized as a communication tool between the four states and remote islands in an emergency.
At the ceremony, Mr. Hierden, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, expressed his appreciation to the Government of Japan for their support, which enables UNDP to work with the Government of the FSM on the enhancement of the country’s resilience to the impact of disasters and climate change and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs).
Ambassador Michigami mentioned that Japan has been tackled with several disasters and her willingness to share lessons with other countries, and expected that the NEOC would be well prepared for emergencies anytime and prevent the loss of lives in the FSM.
The Hon. Andrew Yatillman, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, presented remarks on behalf of H.E. President Panuelo. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to the Government of Japan, UNDP, and all those involved in this project, and hoped that NEOC would function effectively as an emergency response system for the entire FSM in conjunction with facilities in each state.
After the ribbon cutting, the NEOC officers guided the attendees inside the new building, and the ceremony ended with high hopes for the significant role of the NEOC.
The ceremony was attended by the Hon. Andrew Yatillman, Secretary of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management, the Hon. Jane Chigiyal, Chief of Staff, H.E. Hisashi Michigami, Ambassador of Japan to the FSM, Mr. Jaap van Hierden, the UN Resident Coordinator, and Mr. Kevin Petrini, Deputy Resident Representative for the UNDP Pacific Office.
Speech by Ambassador Michigami
Ribbon Cutting by Representives
Group Photo
Radio installed in the NEOC