A workshop on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Disaster Risk Management was hosted by the Ministry of Public Enterprises, Tonga as a pre-event to the Pacific Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) regional workshop at the Fa‘onelua Convention Center Conference from 10th -13th September 2013.
On 9-10th September 2013, the Ministry of Public Enterprises hosted and conducted a workshop on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Disaster Risk Management at the Fa‘onelua Convention Center. The one and a half day workshop was a pre-event to the Pacific Chapter of the Internet Society (PICISOC) regional workshop at the Fa‘onelua Convention Center Conference from 10th -13th September 2013. The workshop was attended by 30 government officials and staff from the public enterprises in the field of ICT management and/or disaster risk management.
“Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can bridge communities and provide more efficient and reliable services. Tonga is a disaster prone country and ICT can provide a bridge between government ministries, private sector companies as well as non-government organizations (NGOs) to better disseminate information about disasters as well as providing early warnings to remote communities who tend to be the most vulnerable to disasters” said Mr. Siaosi Sovaleni, trainer. He further added that the workshop focused on how ICT (or technology) can assist the efforts of the National Disaster Management Office (NEMO) in focusing on preparedness, mitigation, response and relief, and rehabilitation and reconstruction.
The workshop material was based on the Module 9 of the United National Asian and Pacific Training Centre for ICT Development (UNAPCICT) flagship programme “Academy of ICT Essentials for Government Leaders”. The Academy training programme explored how ICT can assist development and recognizing the roles of ICT as key tool for development. The workshop examined the various stages of DRM from preparedness, mitigation, response and relief to rehabilitation and reconstruction. It examines how ICT can support these various DRM stages. It also looked at possible options to capture, manage and disseminating information to various stakeholders and the public such as using mobile phones, radio and TV, and also social media such as Facebook and Twitter.
The workshop also discussed the status of ICT development in Tonga, examining the challenges in adopting ICT and discussing possible solutions.
For more information please contact Jacinta Finau of the Ministry of Public Enterprises to 28-144 or jfinau@mpe.gov.to