Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang at the 11th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), which officially opened in Hanoi on November 21, 2023. (Photo: Huyen Phuong/VOV5)

Mr. Quang said hosting the conference for the second time reflects Vietnam’s active role in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. He called for increased global cooperation and enhanced humanitarian efforts and disaster prevention and response to cope with armed conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, climate change, and food crises.

He said, "governments, international organizations, and stakeholders must prioritize and allocate resources for humanitarian activities as a shared societal responsibility. In addition to addressing traditional conflicts, international efforts should focus on preventing and responding to non-traditional security challenges like natural disasters, disasters and epidemics."
He said the international community must persist in preventing conflicts, eliminating hunger, reducing poverty, and promoting equitable, sustainable, and inclusive development to ensure no nation or community is left behind in human development. Addressing these issues is crucial for tackling the root causes of humanitarian crises, he added.

IFRC Vice President Maha Barjas Hamoud Al Barjas praised the Vietnam Red Cross Society as an active member and expressed the IFRC's commitment to future cooperation. The conference, themed "Becoming Disaster Ready in the Asia Pacific", will focus on current and anticipated crises, assessing regional preparedness, and promoting women's leadership in the Asia-Pacific region.