Vietnam proposes new initiative in disaster response in ASEAN region

VTV.vn - Vietnam affirms its proactive and responsible role in ASEAN cooperation, and has proposed many new initiatives to enhance capacity to respond to natural disasters and climate change.

Vietnam strengthens ASEAN regional cooperation in disaster risk management

This morning, October 15, in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), the Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep, together with Director of the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control Pham Duc Luan, attended the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) and the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the AADMER Agreement, along with many related meetings.

The conference was attended by Ministers in charge of disaster management of ASEAN member countries, representatives of Timor-Leste as observers, along with partners from China, Japan, and South Korea; the ASEAN Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA Centre).

This is the most important annual event within the framework of ASEAN cooperation on disaster management at the ministerial level, marking 20 years of implementing the AADMER Agreement, a foundational document guiding regional cooperation in disaster risk response and mitigation.

The 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) took place in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

This year, the conference took place in the context of increasingly complex climate change and extreme weather. Many ASEAN countries have suffered from storms, floods, earthquakes, landslides and severe droughts. Delegates agreed that natural disasters have no borders, so only through regional solidarity and sharing can ASEAN minimize losses and protect people from unpredictable climate changes.

At the conference, countries highly appreciated the role of the AHA Center in coordinating and sharing resources, especially in providing rapid humanitarian assistance to severely affected countries. Many opinions emphasized that in the context of increasingly frequent natural disasters, ASEAN needs to strengthen early warning capacity, share hydrometeorological data and invest in risk forecasting technology.

Vietnam actively cooperates in the region on disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

With the theme " 20 Years of AADMER: ASEAN's Vision for Global Leadership in Disaster Management", the conference not only looked back on the past two decades of cooperation, but also affirmed the aspiration to elevate ASEAN to become a global model in disaster risk management, a region united, proactive, and resilient in the face of all climate challenges.

Vietnam contributes new initiatives, promoting the building of an "ASEAN shield" against climate change

Speaking at the conference, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep said that natural disasters in the region are becoming increasingly complex and unusual under the impact of climate change. In Vietnam alone, from late July to early October this year, Vietnam was affected by storms Wipha, Bualoi, Matmo, and subsequent floods, causing heavy losses in human lives and property.

The Deputy Minister emphasized: "The timely support of ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Secretariat and the AHA Center is a clear demonstration of the spirit of 'One ASEAN - One Response' that regional leaders have always affirmed." He said that on October 15 and 16, two relief shipments from the DELSA regional reserve (Malaysia) were transferred to Hanoi , then transferred to Cao Bang, one of the localities most severely affected by floods.

Overview of the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management held in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Vietnam also sent its deepest condolences to the Government and people of Myanmar and Thailand for the damage caused by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in March 2025; and expressed sympathy with the Philippines after consecutive strong earthquakes in early October. " With its experience and capacity in natural disaster prevention and control, Vietnam is always ready to share and support ASEAN countries when necessary ," Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep affirmed.

At the conference, Vietnam proposed a number of new initiatives, including: Strengthening inter-regional data sharing and early warning mechanisms, especially on floods, landslides and strong storms. Building a network of " ASEAN safety community connections " where people of member countries can learn and exchange experiences in responding on the spot. Developing an ASEAN digital platform on natural disaster management, integrating forecast information, risk maps and emergency action instructions.

These initiatives demonstrate Vietnam's proactive thinking and sense of responsibility in enhancing regional capacity, moving ASEAN cooperation from mere support to proactive prevention and sustainable adaptation.

Delegates attending the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management held in Phnom Penh (Cambodia)

Vietnam is not only the country most affected by natural disasters in the region, but also one of the leading countries in perfecting institutions and technology in natural disaster prevention. Experience sharing in early warning, dam management, safe migration and post-disaster livelihood recovery is highly appreciated by ASEAN.

" With the spirit of solidarity, sincere cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect and mutual benefit, we can completely enhance our strength together, be ready to overcome the challenge of climate change, and move towards sustainable development and common prosperity for the entire region," Deputy Minister Hiep affirmed.

Vietnamese delegates led by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyen Hoang Hiep attended the 13th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management.

Two decades after the AADMER Agreement was born, ASEAN is not only an economic and political community, but also a bloc of human solidarity; where countries are ready to join hands in the face of natural disasters, sharing the responsibility of protecting the people. In that journey, Vietnam continues to affirm its pioneering role, making practical contributions to building a sustainable " ASEAN shield " against natural disasters and global climate change.

Source: https://vtv.vn/viet-nam-de-xuat-sang-kien-moi-trong-ung-pho-thien-tai-khu-vuc-asean-100251015193731189.htm