About Us

The National Disaster Centre (NDC) was established by an Act of Parliament, the Disaster Management Act of 1984, to manage both natural and human-induced disasters and emergencies in the country. The same Act also establishes the National Disaster Committee (ND Com), the higher decision-making body that is made up of key government department heads. The NDC is currently under the Ministry of Defense which makes the Secretary of the Department of Defense the Chairman of the ND Com who provides advice relating to disaster risk management across the country to the Minster for Defense. Given the geographically positioning of Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Ring of Fire that makes the country vulnerable to various natural hazards, the NDC plays a key role not only in managing disasters but provide disaster risk reduction mechanisms to ensure communities are safe, sustainable and resilient to any disaster event.

The NDC is headed by Director, who is appointed by the National Executive Council (NEC), and two (2) Assistant Directors for Risk Management and Community & Government Liaison Divisions respectively. The Risk Management Division is responsible for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction (DRM/DRR) activities and programmes. While the Community & Government Liaison Division is responsible for emergency operations center, response coordination and recovery measures as well as the NDC corporate affairs too.

Mission

To provide national leadership in the development and maintenance of measures to reduce risk to communities and to manage the consequences of the disasters.

Vision

To ensure safe, sustainable and resilient communities in Papua New Guinea.

Goals

To provide clear directions and high-quality professional services and policy advice to all parties involved in coordination and disaster risk management, and

To continually seek and understand people’s requirements and respond according to their needs.

Values

Integrity

As individuals, we will display personal integrity and will translate to our organization

Honesty

We will execute all our dealings with sincerity and truthfulness

Equity

We will execute all our dealings with fairness and justice

Professionalism

We will be accountable for our actions therefore, we will act with care and due diligence and be sensitive to the needs of governments and communities

Partnership & Networking

We value partnerships and networking in meeting our objectives, and

Inclusiveness

We will aspire to work with all sectors of society, especially the poor and marginalized.

Guiding Principles

All our work is underlined by the need to reduce the potential loss of life and suffering from disasters in Papua New Guinea,
We will act with care, diligence and be sensitive to the needs of government and the communities,
We will be responsive to the Government and be alert to public interest considerations when providing advice to the Ministers,
We will maintain a close focus on results and a strong commitment to accountability and continuous improvement, and
In any dealings with us, you can expect to be treated with courtesy, fairness and respect.

Core Functions

National Training, Disaster Legislation, Disaster Plan, Mitigation Policy;
Information and Awareness, Media Coordination, Community Education;
Management of National Emergency Operations Center, Assistance and Assessment Teams, Incident Recording and Reporting; and
Financial Management, Donor and Government Funds.