Towards a world that is more safe and resilient against natural disasters

At the ceremony, MARD Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep says: “2023 is a crucial year for Vietnam as we serve the role of Chair in ASEAN cooperation on natural disaster management. Accordingly, the 11th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on natural disaster management and sessions of the ASEAN Committee for Natural Disaster Management (ACDM), along with many other related activities were held in our country.”

According to MARD Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Vietnam has promoted the theme “From Response to Early Action and Strengthening Resilience - ASEAN Moves Towards the Goal of Global Leadership in Natural Disaster.” This topic emphasizes the shift from passive response to proactive prevention in natural disaster management.

In recent years, the world has witnessed many increasingly destructive natural disasters in many countries. 2023 is considered the hottest year in human history, with the possibility of historic floods 50 times higher in many places.

According to the warning of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the world has entered an “era of global warming” - a much more dangerous level than the long-used concept of “global warming.” Therefore, the message repeated by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is the need to act urgently.

Responding to World Day for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, the ceremony affirms Vietnam’s determination to unite with other countries, the United Nations, ASEAN agencies, and international organizations to promote global awareness on reducing natural disaster risks; improving capacity; responding more effectively to natural disasters; protecting the lives, health, property of people and society.

It is known that the Natural Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership was established in 2019 with the participation of 22 international organizations in the field of natural disaster prevention and control in Vietnam. The Partnership has been on the right track in cooperation on early warning, community capacity building, emergency relief, disaster recovery, etc.

“Organizing this event, we would like to thank the international community, agencies, organizations, embassies, and development partners, especially members of the Natural Risk Reduction Partnership. They have always stood side by side with the Government and people of Vietnam in preventing, combating and mitigating the consequences of natural disasters.

We look forward to strengthening the active cooperation of our partners, because only by working together can we make real progress towards a more safe and resilient world against natural disasters,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasizes.

Mr. Shantanu Chakraborty, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank and Co-Chair of the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership, says that preventing, combating and reducing natural disaster risks requires the participation of all countries, not only ASEAN but also every person around the world.

The Asian Development Bank always stands with the Government and people of Vietnam in efforts to manage, reduce risks, and overcome consequences caused by natural disasters.

In addition, the Asian Development Bank has joined the Government of Vietnam and a number of countries in the ASEAN region to assess and resolve the impacts of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, saltwater intrusion, and climate change.

Previously, on October 3, the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) coordinated with the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province to organize the final round of the contest “The English Speaking Contest on disaster risk reduction and climate actions” at Bai Chay Secondary School, Ha Long City.

The contest has established a helpful playground, helping students learn and create together, raising awareness about issues related to natural disaster prevention and climate actions.

The organizing committee received 2,500 entries from students nationwide two months after launching. All contest entries have good ideas, profound content, rich and creative forms of expression, showing the students’ enthusiastic and serious interest and participation in the contest.

The contest’s first prize was awarded to contestants Tran Dang Thanh Phuong and Le Minh Thu, Thoai Ngoc Hau High School for the Gifted, An Giang.

Mr. Markus Lacanilao, Civil Defense Deputy Administrator for Public Affairs, Philippines, shares that the need for cooperation in natural disaster management in the ASEAN region is an urgent issue, especially in the context of our current world.

Assessing Vietnam’s role in his year as Chairman of AMMDM, Mr. Lacanilao acknowledged that Vietnam has successfully promoted a series of activities, launched many initiatives, and raised awareness for many regions, and communities affected by natural disasters. Thanks to these efforts, ASEAN has saved many lives and minimized the economic and environmental impacts caused by natural disasters.