Vietnam gets ready to work with the global community to cope with climate change, protect the environment, and join the United Nations peacekeeping missions and international humanitarian programs, 
Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong told the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) delegation at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on November 21.

Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong meets representatives of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Hanoi on November 21. Photo: VNA

He said at the meeting with international representatives who attended the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (AP11) held in Hanoi on the same day.

The Vietnamese State President highlighted the role of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS), which is tasked to conduct humanitarian activities and contribute to international programs.

He expressed that Vietnam is grateful for international support in its national defense and building of the war-torn country. He supported the IFRC’s sustainable cooperation frameworks to which Vietnam could contribute.

He said Vietnam vowed to join the global efforts in coping with climate change and acting to lower carbon emissions while working more for vulnerable communities.

The 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (AP11) opens in Hanoi on November 21. Photo: Quandoinhandan

Asia-Pacific joins hands to prepare for disasters

On the same day, representatives of countries in the Asia-Pacific gathered to discuss measures and show their efforts in addressing the humanitarian crisis facing them amid escalating climate change.

The joint efforts have been made at the event themed “Asia-Pacific: Preparedness for Disasters.”

Speaking at the event, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang said that the event offers a platform for enhancing collaboration amongst the Vietnamese Government, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and foreign humanitarian organizations.

He stated that Vietnam expects to actively support the Red Cross movement as a means of showing appreciation to friends and the international community for their support of the nation's defense and development.

"The Government, foreign organizations, and pertinent parties should give humanitarian work top priority, which would better respond to disasters, adapt to complex changes, and increase the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts," Quang said.

Specifically, the prevention and efficient response to non-traditional security threats like pandemics, natural disasters, and disasters should receive even greater attention from international humanitarian organizations.

The international community needs to continue its utmost efforts to prevent conflicts, eradicate hunger, and reduce poverty while promoting development, justice, sustainability, and inclusiveness, ensuring that no ethnic group or community is left behind in the progress of human development. 

International delegates at the event. Photo: Quandoinhandan

Maha Barjas Hamoud Al-Barjas, Vice President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network, said the risk of climate-related events is rising alarmingly in the Asia-Pacific, as air pollution and the occurrence of potentially fatal heat waves have a detrimental effect on public health.

VRCS President Bui Thi Hoa confirmed that in the midst of complicated developments involving crises, natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts, it is more important than ever to cooperate, share, and take coordinated action to build a strong, cohesive global movement.

Speakers at the event emphasized the need for close coordination between nations and organizations in order to support one another and deal with the fallout from natural disasters. They claimed that improving disaster forecasting accuracy would improve response and preparedness, reducing losses and preventing human casualties.