US Pacific Command (USPACOM) has partnered with the Center for Global Health Engagement (CGHE) to implement the Pacific Asia India Resilience (PAIR) disaster preparedness program with the Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL). PAIR is a multi-step, multi-year engagement program designed to support a Partner Nation in meeting its current resilience commitments. Achieving these commitments will result in a more stable partner in the region, and will reduce future requests to PACOM for disaster assistance.
PAIR is based on current international best practices in disaster resilience and represents an evolution of CGHE’s disaster preparedness model to achieve impact. This program model of engagement ensures that the process is country-led, which is essential for sustainability. Support to the GoTL, such as guidance, facilitated planning, exercises, subject matter expertise and cross-sectoral collaboration, is provided using a multi-sectoral, whole of society approach with a heavy emphasis on relationship building as the foundation for all engagements, rather than an output.
PAIR serves two goals:
1) Enhance the capacity of Partner Nations to mitigate, prepare for and respond to disasters
2) Build sustainable, long-term relationships between USPACOM and national and regional government partners, including regional intergovernmental organizations
PAIR is currently planning for engagements in Timor-Leste from 2015-2018, with expansion into other countries anticipated by USPACOM in FY17. The beneficiaries for FY2016 include the entire population of Timor-Leste, currently over 1.2 million people.
Wins – USUHS/CGHE
1) Expanded scope and funding opportunities with PACOM
2) Enhanced reputation across the J9, J7 and J45 as a strong ally and capability provider to meet resilience objectives
3) As a long term program, PAIR offers the opportunity for enhanced relationships across standard COCOM turnover rates
Wins – PACOM
1) Current assessment of the disaster preparedness capacity of the GoTL
2) Expanded relationships between PACOM and respective ministries of the GoTL, including the FFDTL, the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Social Solidarity
3) Improve the perceived value of USG support, resulting in achieving Preferred Partner status in Timor-Leste
4) Ability to fully meet IMO 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, Country Strategy Plan objectives, and PACOM Security Cooperation Priorities
5) Reduced demand on PACOM to provide HA/DR assistance
Wins – Partner Nation
1) Current assessment of the disaster preparedness capacity of the GoTL
2) Expanded relationships across ministries and other key stakeholders who should be involved in disaster resilience initiatives
3) Cross-sectoral analysis and awareness of how the multitude of resilience-related commitments and programs by the GoTL relate to each other, to support the reduction of duplications, identify efficiencies, maximize resources and better leverage existing partnerships
4) Assist the GoTL in taking additional steps towards implementing resilience-related plans and policies, such as the National Disaster Risk Management Policy and the National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) on Climate Change
5) Development of a multi-year roadmap to achieve a strong national disaster risk management program and to move towards resilience
6) Expanded international funding opportunities and reduction of gaps/overlaps between international stakeholders based on the use of a comprehensive multi-sectoral road map
