Enhance the effectiveness of cooperation frameworks and mechanisms among National Societies in implementing humanitarian missions.

On the morning of November 21, in Hanoi, the 11th Asia -Pacific Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (AP-11) opened with the theme: "Asia-Pacific: Disaster preparedness". Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang attended and spoke at the Conference.

Also attending were leaders of ministries, departments, branches, Hanoi city; Presidents and General Secretaries of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies of countries in the Asia- Pacific region...

This is the second time the Vietnam Red Cross has had the honor of hosting a regional conference in the context of Vietnam's enhanced position, along with many humanitarian issues arising, especially climate change, natural disasters and catastrophes.

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang said that humanity, humanism, and mutual love are the nature and fine traditions of the Vietnamese people. Vietnam always wishes to contribute in the most positive and effective way to the international Red Cross and Red Crescent movement.

Phó Thủ tướng: Nâng cao hiệu quả các khuôn khổ, cơ chế hợp tác giữa các Hội quốc gia trong thực hiện sứ mệnh nhân đạo

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang speaks at the Conference. (Source: VNA)

Over the past 70 years since Vietnam was officially recognized as a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Vietnam Red Cross Society has become an active member of the Movement; has had many support activities; provided timely and practical humanitarian relief to people in countries in Asia - Pacific as well as around the world.

True to the theme of the Conference, “Asia-Pacific: Disaster Preparedness”, proactive prevention and response to disasters as well as adaptation to complex changes in the world situation, seizing opportunities from new development trends, are of particular importance for humanitarian activities in the Asia-Pacific region to become increasingly effective.

The Deputy Prime Minister noted that governments, international and regional organizations and relevant parties need to give high priority and more resources to humanitarian activities; humanitarian work should be considered a common task of the whole society, on that basis, continue to promote cooperation at national, bilateral, regional and global levels, especially in strategic planning, policy, resource mobilization and management.

“In addition to joint efforts to prevent and resolve the consequences of wars and traditional conflicts, international humanitarian activities need to focus more on preventing and effectively responding to non-traditional security challenges such as disasters, natural disasters, and epidemics. These are issues that can arise at any time, are not separated by geographical space, and can have a severe impact on all countries, regardless of their level of development,” Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang emphasized.

At the same time, the international community needs to continue making the greatest efforts to prevent conflicts and wars, eradicate hunger and reduce poverty, promote equitable, sustainable and inclusive development, and ensure that no nation or community is left behind.

"I believe that this Conference will unify measures and action plans for regional and international humanitarian work in the new period; and improve the effectiveness of cooperation frameworks and mechanisms between national associations in carrying out their noble humanitarian mission," the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

According to Ms. Bui Thi Hoa, Vietnam is located at the center of a geographical area that often suffers the effects of natural disasters and is on the list of 10 countries with the most serious damage. (Source: VNA)

According to Ms. Bui Thi Hoa, President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, Asia-Pacific is a region that often suffers from many risks and damages from climate change, especially natural disasters compared to other continents. In particular, Vietnam is located at the center of the geographical area that often suffers from the effects of natural disasters and is on the list of 10 countries with the most serious damage. In addition, resources for humanitarian support and relief activities are limited and lacking in many places.

“This conference marks an important milestone in the efforts of National Societies to address the humanitarian challenges facing our region. Given the complexity, increase and severity of crises and disasters caused by natural disasters, epidemics and conflicts, the need for cooperation, sharing and coordinated action to form the strength of a unified global movement is becoming more important, urgent and vital than ever,” the President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society emphasized.

Conference delegates take souvenir photo. (Source: VNA)

Sharing the same view, Ms. Maha Barjas Hamoud Al Barjas, Vice President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - in charge of the Asia-Pacific region, said that in the Asia-Pacific region, the risk of facing climate-related events is increasing at an alarming rate, with an increase in life-threatening heat waves and air pollution negatively impacting public health.

“This conference is an opportunity for us to inspire and learn from each other at a time when the world is facing increasing natural disasters and adversity. Regardless of background, gender, age, ethnicity, people and communities have their own humanitarian needs and we must strive to address those needs no matter how complex they may be,” said Maha Barjas Hamoud Al Barjas.

Panorama of the 11th Asia-Pacific Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (AP-11). (Photo: Van Chi)

The Asia-Pacific International Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference is held every four years and is an important event in the Asia-Pacific region, with the participation of all National Societies in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East-North Africa region, to discuss and evaluate the results of activities in the past time and orient the operational plan of the entire region in the coming time.

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