Ward members and Ward Development Committees (WDC) of the Duke of York (DOY) communities in East New Britain Province are now equipped with knowledge and skills based on how to monitor, response and manage their wards and people in terms of climate change and disaster. This after they received their certificates after completing a five- day ‘Climate Change Mainstreaming, Disaster Risk Strategy (DRS) and Emergency Response Simulations’ workshop at the Kokopo Village Resort. The workshop was co-facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) which is aimed at incorporating vulnerability and risk assessments into local planning processes. According to Building Resilience to Climate Change (BRCC) project Output 1 Coordinator, George Iramu, the BRCC project is funded by Climate Investment Fund (CIF) and is committed to enhancing climate resilience and reducing disaster risk in East New Britain, Manus, Morobe, Milne Bay and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) in alignment with national and international climate goals. Iramu stated that climate change poses significant threats to communities and ecosystems in the BRCC target sites, as identified through a comprehensive climate change vulnerability assessment conducted under BRCC project. “This assessment has highlighted the urgent need to integrate adaptation approaches into wards, districts and provincial level planning processes in terms of addressing disaster risk, safeguarding lives, assets and livelihoods.” The objectives of the workshop include climate change mainstreaming and disaster risk strategy as well as an emergency response simulations training. The participants took part in activities and discussions followed by presentations and sharing of their experiences. In addition to this, representing the ENB Provincial Administration was Acting District Administrator for Kokopo district, Darius Kunai, who acknowledged the support of United Nations Development Programme, Climate Change and Development Authority and the Building Resilience to Climate Change team for the successful workshop. He said the Atoll Islands and the surrounding communities are vulnerable to disasters and are experiencing sea level rise, food shortage and climate change; therefore, this workshop is important in informing and helping the province as a whole. Furthermore, Kunai said the district will work together with the LLG and the Wards to roll out their programs and also announced that they will include this human development program in the Kokopo district budget for its sustainability and management. The participants shared that they have learned a lot and are now capable to lead, educate and implement what they’ve gained. For most, is their first time to attend such workshops as they face challenges in terms of access to clean water, health services, education, good roads and transport, clean environment and access to cash income.