This week on 26-29 May 2025, UNDP, UNITAR, UNOSAT and the PNG National Disaster Centre are facilitating a training on the use of Geospatial Information Technology for disaster risk reduction for key stakeholders in Papua New Guinea’s humanitarian sector.
UNDP stated that Papua New Guinea is prone to frequent natural hazards, such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis.
“These risks are intensified by complex geography, climate-related vulnerabilities, and limited access to timely warnings and spatial risk data, particularly in remote and coastal communities.
The four-day training will aim to develop national capacity in the use of geospatial technologies to improve disaster preparedness, response, and long-term climate resilience, which will promote evidence-based decision-making at national and sub-national levels, aligned with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Framework.
This training marks an important step in UNDP’s commitment to the PNG National Disaster Centre to enhance the capacity of national stakeholders in leveraging geospatial technologies for improved disaster risk management and climate resilience in Papua New Guinea,’’ said Mr. Aadil Mansoor, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP.
UNDP said that the training delivered through a mix of presentations, interactive discussions, and practical exercises, will give participants an opportunity to gain insight on collecting and processing free geospatial data from web-based sources, use open-source GIS software for hazard mapping, and apply spatial analysis techniques to support evidence-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning.
“By equipping our technical teams with practical skills in geospatial technologies, we are enhancing our ability to anticipate hazards, assess risks, and make informed decisions that can save lives and protect communities. We are grateful to UNDP, UNOSAT, and DFAT for their continued support and partnership,’’ said Mr. Martin Mose, Assistant Director – Government Liaison and Community Engagement of the National Disaster Centre.
“Australia is proud to support Papua New Guinea’s efforts in strengthening disaster resilience. We are committed to enhancing coordination and empower communities through better decision-making for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience,” said Ms. Caludia Cooney, First Secretary, Program Strategy and Humanitarian, Australian High Commission.
Key representatives from the National Disaster Centre, Department of Mineral Policy and Geohazards Management, and the National Weather Service, and other relevant ministries and agencies with a basic understanding of GIS and remote sensing, were selected by NDC and UNDP to undergo the training.
The training is a core component of the ‘Enhanced Geospatial Decision Support for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Resilience in Papua New Guinea (GeoDRR PNG)’ project, jointly implemented by UNITAR-UNOSAT and UNDP, and generously funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).