Vietnam hosts the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Asia and the Pacific

The conference, themed “Asia-Pacific: Disaster Preparedness,” is held every four years and is a key event for the Movement in the region.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Khai, Chief of the Central Office of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, Deputy Head of the Standing Subcommittee of the Logistics - Resource Mobilization Subcommittee of the AP-11 Conference, said that this is the second time the Vietnam Red Cross Society has had the honor of hosting the Conference in the context of Vietnam's enhanced position, along with many humanitarian issues arising, especially climate change, natural disasters, catastrophes, and epidemics.

The conference is an opportunity to introduce the achievements of the country and people of Vietnam, promote the development cooperation activities of the Association with international partners and organizations and enterprises in Vietnam; thereby affirming the commitment of the Vietnamese Government and the responsibility of the regional Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in responding to climate change and disasters.

Within the framework of the event, about 400 domestic and international delegates participated in the following activities: Asia-Pacific Red Cross and Red Crescent Youth Forum with the theme “Enhancing resilience: Inspiring youth leaders to promote disaster preparedness innovation”; 11th Asia-Pacific International Red Cross and Red Crescent Conference.

In particular, delegates will participate in two sideline activities: the 2023 "Humanitarian Power" Program; the "Quintessence of the North" live art program. With the message "For a friendly and hospitable Vietnam", "For a green Vietnam", through these two programs, the Vietnam Red Cross Society wishes to introduce to international friends the unique cultural features, imbued with the national identity of the country and people of Vietnam; the typical and outstanding activities of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, especially in the field of disaster prevention and response.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Khai, up to this point, the preparation work for the Conference has basically ensured progress. The Association has conducted surveys and scouted all locations where the Conference will take place, including locations for sideline activities and reception, entertainment and welcome activities; developed specific reception plans at each location, ensuring security, safety and health for delegates; ensuring that the conditions, means and facilities used within the framework of the Conference's activities are allocated reasonably and in the best condition.

To prepare the force to serve the Conference taking place over 4 days in many different locations, in addition to the Central Committee staff, the Vietnam Red Cross Society in coordination with the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union selected 30 excellent volunteers to participate in serving the Conference and will conduct training for these volunteers.

The Vietnam Red Cross Society also promptly developed a budget plan and actively mobilized resources, sought sponsors, signed cooperation agreements with partners, event and media companies. The Society also coordinated with the media unit to build an event management application on mobile phones to provide information related to the Conference to delegates, meeting the "Green" criteria of the Conference (limiting the use of printed materials).