Viet Nam honors emerging educators on International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

On October 13, at Hanoi National University of Education, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Vietnam, held a ceremony to mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management.

Education: A sustainable investment in climate adaptation

In his opening remarks at the ceremony, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized a powerful message: education is not only the foundation of knowledge but also the foundation of resilience against disasters.

Students at Hanoi National University of Education are more than learners; they are a source of inspiration. In their hands are not just chalk and blackboards, but the future generation of Vietnam. A small lesson on disaster prevention can save a life, an extracurricular session on survival skills can foster calm in crises, and a story of recovery after a storm can ignite hope for the future.

“You are the living bridge between academic knowledge and real life, between today’s classrooms and tomorrow’s communities. Use your youth, passion, and intellect to plant the seeds of resilience and write the story of a proactive, safe, and steadfast Vietnam,” the Deputy Minister urged.

According to Ms. Pauline Tamesis, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, the organization is committed to ensuring youth participation in decision-making processes, while also expanding opportunities for Vietnamese young people to engage in community-based disaster risk reduction and climate initiatives.

“Investing in Vietnam’s youth is investing in a country’s disaster resilience. Let us work together to equip the next generation with the knowledge and skills they need to face emerging challenges confidently,” she encouraged.

Mr. Ziad Nabulsi, Acting Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam, expressed deep sympathy for the damages caused by disasters and floods following Storm No. 11. In response to this situation, he emphasized: a resilient Vietnam is one where schools are safe and learning continues even in emergencies. Teachers need to be fully equipped to teach disaster risk reduction, and children’s voices must be heard to help shape climate and disaster policies.

“Investing in education is the most sustainable investment we can make to combat climate change and reduce disaster risks. When a child learns how to respond safely to hazards, that knowledge lasts a lifetime and spreads to families and communities.

That is why education is at the heart of resilience. When we build resilient schools, we build resilient communities. When we empower teachers, we empower generations,” the Acting UNICEF Representative in Vietnam stated.

Strengthening international cooperation in disaster prevention and response

During the event, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep expressed deep gratitude for the generous support from international partners following recent disasters.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment leader emphasized, “We need to strengthen cooperation and fully empower young people through education and response skills. Every small action taken by an individual today is a building block for the community’s resilience tomorrow. With the spirit of Solidarity - Creativity - Leadership, I am confident that together we can create a safer future, not only for Vietnam but for the entire ASEAN region.”

United Nations leaders in Vietnam praised the positive outcomes in disaster risk response cooperation. In particular, the Disaster Risk Reduction Partnership model has proven effective and successful. Strong leadership from the Vietnamese Government provides a vital foundation for coordinating the efforts of partnership members, while the active engagement of domestic and international partners ensures that the needs of the most vulnerable communities are met.

To address upcoming challenges, Ms. Pauline Tamesis encouraged partners to deepen cooperation, strengthen governance mechanisms, and promote empowerment for youth and communities. “We are ready to support local capacity building and enhance community resilience through our extensive network of technical agencies and implementing partners.

We remain committed to the goal of building robust, inclusive disaster-resilient foundations that leave no one behind. By building back better, disaster preparedness and response can strengthen societal resilience while supporting climate adaptation and mitigation,” the UN Resident Coordinator urged.

At the event, outstanding students shared insights on the role of disaster management education and highlighted innovative initiatives being carried out by Vietnam’s youth. These ideas not only demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility but also contribute to building resilient communities that can adapt to climate change.