Vietnam backs ASEAN's disaster response initiatives

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to ASEAN’s disaster response initiatives, underscoring achievements in disaster prevention at home during a unique forum in Hanoi on October 13, responding to the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management 2025.

Addressing the forum themed “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters", Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, expressed confidence that with the spirit of solidarity - creativity - pioneering, a safer future will be built for both Vietnam and the ASEAN community.

“Vietnam, as a key participant in regional disaster risk management mechanisms, strongly supports ASEAN and the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center),” said Hiep.

He added that Vietnam is among the countries most severely affected by natural disasters, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

Each year, disasters such as storms, floods, droughts, landslides and saltwater intrusion cause heavy losses of life and property, disrupt socio-economic activities and directly impact the livelihoods of millions of people.

"Many northern provinces of Vietnam are grappling with severe floods after recent storms, yet these challenges have taught valuable lessons about the power of preparedness and the strength of human solidarity," said the official.

He underlined the role of young people, especially students, in disaster prevention and response.

Highlighting the complexity of disasters, Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, said that the country should adopt the strategic approach advocated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, committing its own resources to build resilience rather than merely responding to disasters.

This approach provides a foundation for tackling climate change, she said, urging that global priorities be translated into national action.

Vietnam has advanced disaster prevention by improving laws, strengthening early warning systems, applying technology, promoting international cooperation and engaging communities. “These efforts have reduced losses and strengthened resilience,” said the UN official.

Tamesis called for stronger cooperation among stakeholders to improve disaster response and noted that building resilience must involve young people.

“This forum unites the Vietnamese Government, UN agencies, donors and civil society in a shared approach to disaster risk reduction,” she said.

For Vietnam, stronger partnerships, improved governance and greater youth and community empowerment are key to building a more resilient and prosperous nation.

Held at Hanoi National University of Education by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in coordination with UNICEF Vietnam and the Japanese government, the event highlighted education as a foundation for a disaster-resilient future.

International representatives shared experiences in disaster prevention and response, while young people proposed technological and educational solutions for risk reduction.

Delegates were also updated on Vietnam’s disaster management efforts, ASEAN’s cooperation mechanisms led by the AHA Centre, and the UN’s support for these regional frameworks.

Participants discussed ways to strengthen coordination under ASEAN’s regional disaster management cooperation.