IMOA: Global Standards for Disaster Risk Reduction: An Ethical Assessment of the Sendai Framework

(IMOA) Imagine Pacific Original Article 

Global Standards for Disaster Risk Reduction: An Ethical Assessment of the Sendai Framework 

By James E. Faumuina, MBA, MPA 

Editor, Imagine Pacific Pulse    

8/14/2024 

 

With no regulatory enforcement and held together by ethical agreements among nations, the Sendai Framework represents an accord made by the United Nations, serving as a global standard for disaster risk reduction (United Nations, 2015; Uchiyama et al., 2021; United Nations, 2023). This agreement establishes seven targets, including national-level compliance in building construction, to ensure safe and disaster-ready structures (United Nations, 2015).

Uchiyama et al. (2021) addressed the efficacy of this global agreement, noting that it needs to be prioritized, which has hindered the implementation of its objectives. A report on the progress of the previously agreed-upon Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) describes the Sendai Framework as faltering, with SDGs appearing in the “rear-view mirror” of countries that had once committed to supporting them (United Nations, 2023).

Considering ethical perspectives, which argue that anyone capable should contribute to society and themselves, Heres and Lasthuizen (2012) discuss the concepts of a moral person and moral manager. They emphasize that ethical leadership is demonstrated through action and interpersonal relations. In this context, conducting an ethical research project, as suggested by Harris (2022), could help address the shortcomings of nations in executing the Sendai Framework.

In an ideal world, such execution might be feasible. However, Eskelinen (2021) contends that the notion of a utopia regarding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals contrasts with a reality where nations determine “what could be… and what is” (Eskelinen, 2021).

The dynamics of politics and social good, while not entirely opposed, create friction in setting global standards (Eskelinen, 2021; Uchiyama et al., 2021). Morality is assessed against resource constraints, reputation, and external pressures that necessitate completing projects on time and within budget (DePoy & Gitlin, 2020; Harris, 2022; Heres & Lasthuizen, 2012; LaFollette, 2000).

The United Nations and the global stage might benefit from academia’s use of principlism, as DePoy and Gitlin (2020) described. Principlism includes respect for individual rights, the intent to do the right thing, avoidance of harm, and fairness. Adopting principlism could lead to what Wallace and Sheldon (2015) refer to as Ethical Universalism, which, if achieved, could serve as the foundation for an ideal society. 

 References:

DePoy, E., & Gitlin, L. N. (2020). Introduction to Research (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Eskelinen, T. (2021). Interpreting the sustainable development goals through the perspectives of Utopia and governance. Forum for Development Studies, 48(2), 179–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039410.2020.1867889

Harris, S. R. (2022). How to Critique Journal Articles in the Social Sciences. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071878743

Heres, L., & Lasthuizen, K. (2012). What’s the difference? Ethical leadership in public, hybrid and private sector organizations. Journal of Change Management, 12(4), 441–466. https://doi.org/10.1080/14697017.2012.728768

Uchiyama, C., Ismail, N., & Stevenson, L. A. (2021). Assessing contribution to the Sendai Framework: Case study of climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction projects across sectors in Asia-Pacific (2015–2020). Progress in Disaster Science, 12, 100195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdisas.2021.100195

United Nations. (2015). Sendai Framework for disaster risk reduction 2015—2030.

United Nations. (2023). The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2023: Special Edition. United Nations. https://doi.org/10.18356/9789210024914

Wallace, M., & Sheldon, N. (2015). Business research ethics: Participant observer perspectives. Journal of Business Ethics, 128(2), 267–277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2102-2

James is the owner of Imagine Pacific Enterprises and the Editor of Imagine Pacific Pulse (IMPULSE). He is a retired Lt Col, Hawaii Air National Guard. Former medical administrator, planner, program manager, and operations officer. Graduated from the USAF Air War College and is currently a Ph.D. student in the in Troy Global Leadership Program. He can be contacted at jfaumuina@troy.edu 

🏝️IMSPARK: Sustainable Investment in the Pacific🏝️

🏝️Imagine... Sustainable Investment in the Pacific🏝️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A future where Pacific communities thrive through inclusive, sustainable investment strategies that foster economic resilience and social equity.

🔗 Link: 

Oakland Fund Playbook 2023

📚 Source: 

Pacific Community Ventures. (2023). Oakland Fund Playbook 2023. Retrieved from Pacific Community Ventures.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The Pacific region faces unique economic challenges, including limited access to capital, high poverty rates, and economic vulnerability 🌊. The Oakland Fund Playbook 2023 offers a blueprint for creating equitable investment strategies that can be adapted to meet the needs of Pacific communities. By prioritizing social equity, sustainable business practices, and community-driven development, this approach can help transform local economies, providing much-needed resources to small businesses and entrepreneurs 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒. 

This initiative isn't just about financial investment—it's about fostering economic empowerment, creating job opportunities, and ensuring that the benefits of growth are shared by all members of society 🌍. Through tailored investment strategies, Pacific communities can build economic resilience, reduce inequality, and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future 🌱. 

The principles outlined in the playbook highlight the importance of community input, transparency, and long-term thinking in investment practices, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to drive positive change in the Pacific 🌺.

#CommunityInvestment,#PacificResilience,#EconomicEmpowerment,#SustainableGrowth,#SocialEquity,#InclusiveEconomy,#ImpactInvesting,#IMSPARK, 

🛠️IMSPARK: Building Climate Resilient Communities Across the Pacific🛠️

🛠️Imagine... Building Climate Resilient Communities Across the Pacific🛠️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where communities, businesses, and governments collaborate to enhance climate resilience, ensuring long-term sustainability and security in the face of climate change.

🔗 Link:

U.S. Chamber of Commerce - Climate Resiliency One Pager

📚 Source: 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2024). Climate Resiliency One Pager. Retrieved from US Chamber.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

This IMSPARK highlights the importance of building climate resilience in the Pacific through strategic initiatives and collaborations, focusing on the potential benefits for communities and economies in the region🌍.

The Pacific Islands are dealing with climate change, experiencing rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation 🌊. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Climate Resiliency initiative offers a strategic approach to fortifying communities and economies against these challenges. By promoting investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and advocating for science-based policy solutions, this initiative empowers Pacific Island nations to prepare and mitigate the impacts of climate change 🌱. 

This isn't just about survival—it's about securing a sustainable future for generations, where communities can thrive despite the adversities of a changing climate. The collaboration between businesses, governments, and communities is key to building resilience, ensuring that the Pacific continues to be a vibrant and secure region amidst global environmental shifts 🌺. This effort addresses immediate threats and long-term economic stability and environmental stewardship across the Pacific, ensuring a prosperous future for the area.

#ClimateResilience,#PacificIslands,#SustainableFuture,#PublicPrivatePartnership,#EnvironmentalStewardship, #ResilientCommunities, #ClimateAction, #GlobalLeadership,

🩺IMSPARK: Empowering Pacific Communities Through Health Promotion🩺

🩺Imagine... Empowering Pacific Communities Through Health Promotion🩺

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where health promotion initiatives are tailored to the unique cultural, social, and environmental contexts of island communities, leading to healthier, more resilient populations.

🔗 Link: 

Health Promotion Toolkit

📚 Source: 

Rural Health Information Hub. (2024). Health Promotion Toolkit. Retrieved from Rural Health Info.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Health promotion is not just a strategy—it’s a lifeline for Pacific communities facing unique health challenges due to geographic isolation, limited healthcare access, and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases 🌺. 

The Health Promotion Toolkit provides invaluable resources and strategies that can be adapted to the Pacific context, ensuring that health initiatives are culturally relevant and community-driven 🌏. By focusing on prevention and education, these efforts aim to reduce health disparities and empower communities to take control of their health futures 🌱. Whether it's combating diabetes, promoting mental health, or encouraging physical activity, these health promotion strategies are crucial for building resilient, healthy communities across the Pacific 🌊. 

The toolkit serves as a guide for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders to design and implement programs that address the specific needs of their populations, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and stronger, more vibrant communities .

#HealthPromotion, #PacificIslands,#CommunityHealth, #PreventiveCare, #CulturalRelevance, #ResilientCommunities, #IslandHealthcare,#IMSPARK,

🏦IMSPARK: Pacific Through Strategic Development Partnerships🏦

🏦Imagine... Pacific Through Strategic Development Partnerships🏦

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where strategic partnerships and sustainable development initiatives drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and enhance resilience against climate change.

🔗 Link: 

ADB in the Pacific

📚 Source: 

Asian Development Bank. (2024). Where We Work: Pacific. Retrieved from ADB.

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The Pacific Islands face unique challenges, including geographical isolation, vulnerability to climate change, and economic constraints 🌏. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plays a transformative role in addressing these issues by providing critical support to enhance infrastructure, foster education, and promote environmental sustainability 🌱. 

ADB’s initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of the Pacific region, focusing on reducing poverty, boosting economic opportunities, and ensuring that development is inclusive and sustainable 🌊. These efforts are not just about short-term gains but about laying the foundation for long-term resilience and prosperity 🌺. 

By investing in the Pacific, ADB is helping to create a region where communities are not only surviving but thriving, with stronger economies, better education systems, and improved climate resilience. The commitment of ADB to the Pacific region underscores the importance of global partnerships in driving sustainable development in one of the most vulnerable areas of the world 🤝.

#PacificResilience,#SustainableDevelopment,#ClimateAction,#EconomicGrowth,#ADB,#IslandNations,#Partnerships,#GlobalLeadership,#WealthEquity,#IMSPARK, 

💼IMSPARK: A More Resilient Pacific Economy Through Global Financial Collaboration💼

💼 Imagine... A More Resilient Pacific Economy Through Global Financial Collaboration 💼

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where collaborative global financial efforts empower island economies to build resilience against economic shocks and foster sustainable growth.

🔗 Link:

IMF: Climate Action and Addressing the “Next Big Crisis”

📚 Source: 

International Monetary Fund. (2024). Climate Action and Addressing the “Next Big Crisis”. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) emphasizes the critical importance of global collaboration in addressing climate change and preventing the next big economic crisis🚒. For the Pacific, this is especially crucial as the region is highly vulnerable to climate-induced disruptions and economic instability 🌊. By strengthening partnerships and financial support, Pacific nations can enhance their economic resilience 🏝️, invest in sustainable development 🌱, and safeguard their communities against future crises. This initiative is not just about surviving the next crisis but thriving by creating a stable and sustainable economic future for the Pacific 🌏.

#PacificResilience,#GlobalCollaboration,#EconomicStability,#ClimateAction,#SustainableGrowth,#IMF,

 

🕯️ IMSPARK: Honoring the Spirit of those lost in the Maui Wildfire of 2023🕯️

🕯️ Imagine... Honoring the Spirit of those lost in the Maui Wildfire of 2023🕯️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A future where the memory of the 2023 Maui wildfire strengthens community bonds, inspires resilience, and leads to proactive measures that protect the islands and their people from future disasters.

🔗Link: 

Remembering the Maui Wildfire of 2023

📚Source: 

Associated Press. (2024). Remembering the Maui Wildfire of 2023. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The Maui wildfire of 2023 was a tragedy that deeply scarred the community, taking lives, destroying homes, and ravaging the beautiful landscapes of the island. However, from the ashes of this disaster, a powerful spirit of resilience and solidarity emerged. 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒

The anniversary of the wildfire is not just a time to mourn the loss; it's an opportunity to honor the strength and courage of the Maui community. The traditional paddle-out ceremony symbolizes unity, healing, and the enduring connection between the people and the land. 🌊

In remembering the wildfire, we are reminded of the urgent need to address climate change and enhance disaster preparedness across the Pacific. 🌱 The lessons learned from 2023 must inform future actions, ensuring that communities are better equipped to face natural disasters and protect their heritage. 🌺

This commemoration is also a call to action: to rebuild with resilience, to support those still recovering, and to ensure that the spirit of Maui—rooted in aloha and ohana—continues to thrive, even in the face of adversity. 🌴

Let the memory of the 2023 wildfire inspire a collective commitment to a safer, more resilient future for all of Hawaii and the Pacific. 🤝

#MauiStrong,#ResilientHawaii,#NeverForgetLahaina,#PacificUnity,#ClimateAction, #CommunityResilience,#Ohana,#Memorial,#IMSPARK,

🤝IMSPARK: Pacific Prosperity: Embracing Growth and Opportunity🤝

🤝Imagine... Pacific Prosperity: Embracing Growth and Opportunity🤝

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region thriving with robust economic opportunities, driven by innovative policies and strategic investments that promote sustainable development and inclusivity.

🔗Link:

  The Growth and Opportunity Imperative for America

📚Source: 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2024). The Growth and Opportunity Imperative for America. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The Pacific region stands on the brink of immense potential, where growth and opportunity can transform communities and economies. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's "Growth and Opportunity Imperative for America" blueprint can be adapted to Pacific contexts, emphasizing innovative policies, strategic investments, and sustainable development. 🌊

By embracing these principles, the Pacific Islands can address critical challenges such as economic disparities, limited access to capital, and the need for infrastructure improvements. 🌺 The focus on inclusive growth ensures that all community members benefit from economic advancements, promoting equity and social cohesion. 🌍

Strategic investments in sectors like renewable energy, technology, and education can drive sustainable development, create jobs, and foster innovation. 🌱 By fostering strong partnerships between governments, businesses, and local communities, the Pacific can build a resilient and diversified economy, empowering us all and fostering a sense of unity that supports long-term prosperity. 

Moreover, emphasizing policy reforms to enhance business environments and attract foreign investments can stimulate economic activity, creating a ready environment for entrepreneurship and small businesses. 🌟

This vision of growth and opportunity is not just about economic metrics; it's about improving the quality of life for Pacific Islanders, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring sustainability for the future.🌴

#PacificProsperity,#InclusiveGrowth, #SustainableDevelopment, #EconomicOpportunity, #Innovation, #CommunityEmpowerment, #FutureReady,#FutureReadyPacific, #IMSPARK,

🐕 IMSPARK: Enhanced Animal Welfare in Pacific Civil Defense Emergencies🐕

 🐕 Imagine... Enhanced Animal Welfare in Pacific Civil Defense Emergencies🐕

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A Pacific region where animal welfare is seamlessly integrated into civil defense strategies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals during emergencies.

🔗Link: 

Workshops to Boost Animal Welfare Capacity During Civil Defence Emergencies

📚Source: 

Rural News Group. (2024). Workshops to Boost Animal Welfare Capacity During Civil Defense Emergencies. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Ensuring animal welfare during civil defense emergencies is crucial, especially in regions like the Pacific, where natural disasters can devastate communities. 🐾 Workshops designed to boost animal welfare capacity are a proactive step towards integrating animal safety into broader emergency management plans. 🌪️

These workshops are not just about theory but about equipping local authorities and communities with the practical knowledge and tools needed to protect animals during emergencies. This includes understanding animal behavior in stressful situations, providing proper care and shelter, and ensuring that animals are considered in evacuation and rescue plans. 🚑

In the Pacific, where agriculture and livestock are not just a means of livelihood but integral to local economies and cultural practices, safeguarding animals during disasters is both an ethical responsibility and an economic necessity. 🌺 By building capacity in animal welfare, these workshops help communities be better prepared and resilient, minimizing the loss of livestock and pets, which are often integral to residents' livelihoods and emotional well-being. 🐄

This initiative also fosters a collaborative approach, bringing together government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to achieve a common goal. It provides the importance of animal welfare in emergency preparedness and response, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow. 🌍

#AnimalWelfare, #CivilDefence, #PacificResilience, #EmergencyPreparedness, #DisasterResponse, #CommunitySafety, #LivestockProtection,#IMSPARK,

🌊IMSPARK: Pacific Leading in Green Jobs Innovation🌊

🌊Imagine...Pacific Leading in Green Jobs Innovation🌊

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A thriving Pacific with a skilled workforce adept in green technologies, contributing to sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the region.

🔗Link: 

NOAA to Provide $1 Million to Train American Samoans for Green Jobs

📚Source: 

Samoan News. (2024). NOAA to Provide $1 Million to Train American Samoans for Green Jobs. Retrieved from https://www.samoanews.com/local-news/noaa-provide-1-million-train-american-samoans-green-jobs

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is investing $1 million to train American Samoans in green jobs, marking a significant step towards sustainable development in the Pacific. 🌱 This initiative aims to equip the local workforce with skills in renewable energy, conservation, and other environmentally friendly industries. 

The funding will support education and training programs designed to prepare residents for careers that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable practices📙 This move is not just about job creation; it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability and resilience in American Samoa, which is crucial for the region’s future. 🌍

By focusing on green jobs, this program addresses economic and environmental challenges, providing opportunities for economic growth while promoting ecological balance. 🌐 It encourages the community to embrace sustainable practices, from renewable energy projects to conservation efforts, ensuring a healthier environment for future generations. 🌿

The initiative also highlights the importance of local capacity building and empowerment, allowing American Samoans to take charge of their environmental future. 🛠️ This investment in green jobs is a testament to the potential for economic transformation through sustainable development, setting a precedent for other Pacific islands. 🌺

 #GreenJobsPacific, #sustainabledevelopment, #AmericanSamoa, #NOAA, #EnvironmentalStewardship, #RenewableEnergy, #FutureGenerations, #GlobalLeadership, #IMSPARK 

🗣️IMSPARK: Preserving Pacific Indigenous Language for Future Generations🗣️

🗣️Imagine… Preserving Pacific Indigenous Language for Future Generations🗣️

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A future where the Pacific Indigenous language thrives, enriching cultural identity and heritage for generations to come, ensuring that young people grow up fluent in their native tongue and connected to their roots.

🔗Link: 

Preserving Kiribati Language for Future Generations

📚Source: 

PMN. (2024). I-Kiribati Push to Save Language for Future Generations. Retrieved from https://pmn.co.nz/read/language-and-culture/i-kiribati-push-to-save-language-for-future-generations

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

The Kiribati language, a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural heritage, is at risk of fading away as younger generations increasingly adopt more dominant languages. 🌺 This article highlights the urgent efforts to preserve and promote the Kiribati language, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the community’s identity. 🌍 Through educational programs, community initiatives, and the use of digital platforms, these efforts aim to revitalize the language and pass it on to future generations. 

The preservation of the Kiribati language is not just about maintaining linguistic diversity; it’s about safeguarding cultural heritage, strengthening community bonds, and empowering the Kiribati people to take pride in their unique identity. 🌐 By integrating language learning into school curriculums, creating digital resources like apps and online courses, and fostering community-led language workshops, these initiatives ensure that the language is spoken, cherished, and handed down. 🌱

This movement also addresses the broader issue of global cultural homogenization, emphasizing the importance of cultural resilience in the face of globalization. 🏛️ Supporting these initiatives helps to create a world where every language and culture is valued and protected, contributing to the rich tapestry of human diversity. 🌿

#PreserveLangauge, #CulturalHeritage, #LanguageRevitalization, #SaveOurLanguage, #PacificPride, #Kiribati, #CommunityInitiatives, #FutureGenerations, #GlobalLeadership, #IMSPARK,

🌅 IMSPARK: Sustainably Navigating the Future Together 🌅 (Video)

🌅Imagine… Sustainably Navigating the Future Together 🌅 

(Video)

💡 Imagined Endstate:

A future where Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Pacific are models of sustainable development, resilience, and international cooperation.

📚 Source:

United Nations. (2024, May 27). Small islands on the frontlines of catastrophic climate crisis, crippling debt, exacting heavy toll on development gains. Retrieved from UN Website.

💥 What’s the Big Deal:

The SIDS24 conference represents a pivotal moment for the Pacific community 🌊 as it addresses the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States. This conference, with its focus on sustainable development, is particularly crucial for Pacific islands that are on the frontlines of the global climate crisis.

Despite their small size, these islands are significant contributors to the world’s biodiversity and cultural richness 🌴. They manage vast oceanic territories and are rich in natural resources. However, they face significant threats from climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather, and depletion of marine ecosystems.

The SIDS24 conference aims to chart new pathways for sustainable prosperity 🐠, ensuring that the Pacific SIDS can build resilience against external threats while achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. The conference will present the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS – a Renewed Declaration for Resilient Prosperity, outlining sustainable development aspirations for the next decade.

For the Pacific community, SIDS24 offers not only a platform to showcase innovation 🤝 but also a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships and secure international commitments. It’s a chance to amplify the voices of the Pacific SIDS and ensure their journey towards resilient prosperity is supported and recognized globally.

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