Jimata Kabua Receives International Code Council Global Award

Building codes are critical to the safety and stability of human life – not just in one jurisdiction, state or country, but across the globe. The Global Award was established in 2012 to recognize the contributions made by International Code Council (ICC) members and associates to further ICC’s mission to achieve international building safety. 

The 2025 winner is Jimata Kabua, Assistant Secretary for the Republic of Marshall Islands Division of Building Safety & Regulations, Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Utilities. Kabua’s work has been instrumental in making sure that the necessary steps have been taken to ensure that building safety is implemented and enforced in the Marshall Islands. 

Until 2019, the Marshall Islands did not have its own building code. At that time, country officials approached S.K. Ghosh Associates, one of ICC’s consulting subsidiaries, to develop a fit for purpose building code for the Marshall Islands. That code, known as the Republic of Marshall Islands National Building Code (RMI), is based on the International Building Code® (IBC®) and includes provisions for the International Residential Code® (IRC®), International Plumbing Code® (IPC®) and International Mechanical Code® (IMC®).  

“The journey to establish a national building code began with the recognition of the urgent need for standardized construction practices in our environment, with our unique geographical challenges, including susceptibility to climate change and natural disasters,” said Kabua. “It was important to create a framework that would ensure the safety, resilience and sustainability of the built environment.” 

When Marshall Islands officials compared their own building practices with international standards, in particular the IBC and other International Codes® (I-Codes®), the next steps became clear. 

“The 2018 IBC was selected as the foundation for our national code due to the comprehensive nature and adaptability and recognition as a leading standard in building safety,” said Kabua. 

Building a User-Friendly Code 

This was not a simple adaptation, however – the Marshall Islands’ unique climate and hazard profile required specific provisions, while others were unnecessary and could be removed. For example, snow loads are not a concern in a warm climate, and wood construction provisions are not necessary given that most of the buildings are constructed with concrete. By carefully modifying the code to match the Marshall Islands’ unique needs, the RMI National Building Code became much more user-friendly. 

“That approach, in and of itself, was somewhat new for ICC,” said Judy Zakreski, Senior Vice President, Global Operations & Solutions for ICC. “Most jurisdictions, especially U.S. states and cities, make minor adjustments to the IBC and then adopt it and customize it and rename it for their jurisdiction, whether it’s the name of a state or city or country. But in our international consulting work, including in the Marshall Islands, we undertake a lot more work, even in addition to revising the flood maps and seismic maps that would apply specifically to the Marshall Islands.” 

With 29 coral atolls and more than 1,200 small islands and islets, the climate of the Marshall Islands is very different from that of the U.S. The Marshall Islands has different hazards, including the challenge in managing ocean water, which can get into the drinking water supply. Sea level rise is another concern. 

“All of that is considered in the resilience aspects of the RMI code,” added Zakreski. “It really is unique in that it is a fit for purpose comprehensive building code that is somehow also easier to apply for a small island developing state. Their approach was novel. I think it provides a model for other small island building states, particularly in the Pacific. It has also shown us how broadly applicable the IBC can be as a model code. As long as the people undertaking the modification know the code well, and how changing one item can impact other items, there is room for flexibility.” 

Recognition for Unwavering Determination 

Kabua received the Global Award after committing himself to the RMI National Building Code and its implementation. He wanted to ensure a successful rollout but knew that it wouldn’t be possible if the code was simply adopted without any formal education on use or enforcement. After securing funds from the World Bank to develop the code, Kabua returned to request additional funds to provide the necessary training. 

And now, with the code adopted, the Marshall Islands is working on its first permitted building: a multi-functional resilient facility. It is currently being constructed with an estimated completion date of December 2026. Because of the code, critical safety provisions and accessibility requirements were considered during the design phase, but Kabua said they may not have been had the code not been adopted. 

In addition to a supportive government that understands the value of a nationwide code, builders have reacted well and complied with the new requirements.  

“They understand that there have been incidents that could’ve been prevented with the building code,” said Kabua.

Sharing the Award with His Team 

Kabua said that the Global Award “means a lot” and that he is thrilled the Marshall Islands is being “recognized for setting its building standards” based on internationally established building codes.  

“[But] it wasn’t just me that did all the work,” Kabua insisted. “I want to share this award with the rest of my team and my predecessors that did this before me.” 

Kabua called out Building Code Officer Lobaj Kaminaga, the other half of his two-person team. He also wanted to recognize the hard work for Architect/Project Management Specialist Melvin Dacillo and Project Management Unit Manager James Myazoe, as well as William Reiher, who previously worked in the Ministry Department of Public Works. 

Zakreski praised Kabua for his commitment to building safety, noting that he is “taking all of the steps that we would recommend countries take to make sure their building codes can be effectively implemented.” 

“He’s the leader that’s making all of this happen and working very closely with ICC to select and launch appropriate programs in a wise sequence,” she said. 

View all 2025 ICC award recipients here.       

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