The journey of the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council (FBDRC) has been one of perseverance, innovation and strategic collaboration. Since its inception in 2016, under the umbrella of the Fiji Commerce and Employer Federation (FCEF) and with the support of the Connecting Business initiative (CBi), FBDRC has worked diligently to engage the private sector in Fiji’s disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. A milestone achievement came in 2025 when the FBDRC was formally included in the National Disaster Risk Management (NDRM) Act 2024, solidifying the private sector’s role in national disaster risk management and further enhancing Fiji’s resilience to climate-induced disasters.
As one of the most disaster-prone countries, ranked 15th on the World Risk Index (2020), Fiji faces a significant challenge, with an average annual loss (AAL) of $US343.77 million (approx. $F773m) – 8.82 per cent of its GDP. Fiji was also affected by Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, the strongest cyclone recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, with maximum wind speeds reaching 233km/h and gusts peaking at 306km/h. The economic toll of this event alone was estimated at $US900 million ($F2.03 billion), including $US600 million ($F1.35 billion) in physical asset damage. Climate projections further amplify these risks, with sea levels predicted to rise.
El Niño events are expected to bring drier, cooler conditions, while La Niña events will likely result in wetter than normal conditions. These changes heighten the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience strategies. Over the years, FBDRC has been a key player in disaster risk management, supporting recovery efforts such as during Cyclone Winston where private sector resources were mobilised to assist the government.
These experiences have helped shape FBDRC’s work in improving private sector resilience and coordination, ultimately leading to its formal recognition in Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Act. The FBDRC has actively supported businesses by developing Business Continuity Plans (BCPs), offering training programs and creating a platform for the private sector to share resources and coordinate with government agencies during emergencies.
This milestone is a testament to the growing importance of public-private partnerships in strengthening Fiji’s disaster resilience. This recognition comes after years of dedicated engagement with the Fijian National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) and other key stakeholders.
“We have been working closely and strategically with the NDRMO over the years, without pressing for formal recognition. Now, with this legal recognition, we can truly elevate our role in disaster risk reduction and climate change efforts,” FBDRC chairman Karunesh Rao said.
“We’re deeply grateful for the support provided by CBi, without whom we probably would not stand where we are today.
“This milestone is a huge achievement for the council and the entire private sector,” stated FCEF chief executive officer Edward Bernard. “It shows that our collaborative, non-prescriptive approach has been effective. This new legal footing allows us to formalise our efforts, ensuring the private sector is not just a responder but a strategic partner in Fiji’s long-term resilience.”
The pivotal moment came in late 2024 when Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Bill was passed, officially recognising the FBDRC within the legislative framework of disaster response and recovery. This legislation which took effect in 2025, formally acknowledged the essential role of the private sector in managing and mitigating disaster risks and highlighted the impact of FBDRC’s tireless efforts over the years. In this context, the Act’s passage was not only a legal recognition but also a victory for inclusive, multi-stakeholder partnerships that blend the expertise and resources of both the public and private sectors.
With the formal recognition of the FBDRC within the NDRM Act, Fiji has set a global example for integrating the private sector into national disaster risk management frameworks.
The Act is a testament to the power of collaboration, as it reflects years of hard work, determination, and partnerships between the private sector, government and international organisations. The journey of the FBDRC from its launch in 2016 to its recognition in the NDRM Act of 2024 reflects the evolution of private sector engagement in disaster risk management.
As FBDRC moves forward, the Council will continue to play an essential role in strengthening Fiji’s resilience to future disasters, ensuring that the private sector remains a proactive and strategic partner in disaster risk reduction and recovery efforts.
In celebration of these achievements, FBDRC and CBi are poised to further amplify their impact, working hand-in-hand with the Fiji government to develop innovative solutions for disaster resilience, while also contributing to the broader efforts in the Pacific region. This collaborative approach ensures that the private sector’s contributions are not only recognised but effectively harnessed in the fight against climate change and natural disasters.