Representatives pose for a photo at the forum. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhật Anh

HÀ NỘI — The fourth Asia-Pacific Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Youth Forum opened on Monday in Hà Nội with the theme “Enhancing resilience: Inspiring young people to promote creativity and preparedness to respond to disasters”.

The forum attracted representatives from nearly 40 countries.

In her opening speech, Deputy Chairwoman of the Việt Nam Red Cross Society (VRC) Huỳnh Thị Xuân Lam said that the forum’s theme affirmed the spirit of enthusiasm, high determination and efforts of young people in continuing the glorious tradition and noble humanitarian mission that have been built by different generations.

It highlights the great role and responsibility that the Red Cross and Red Crescent youth force in the Asia-Pacific region is willing to undertake and work together to solve problems facing humanity.

Lam emphasised that youth from different countries in the forum might have different skin colours, religions and nationalities, but they all shared the same Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies spirit.

“You are the symbol of dreams, ambitions, intelligence and commitment,” she said.

The VRC’s development strategy to 2030 and vision to 2045 determine the quality improvement of youth and volunteer activities.

They are the decisive and important breakthrough.

Over the past time, VRC youth have promoted their role in successfully implementing humanitarian programmes and campaigns across the country, especially effectively participating in disaster and natural disaster prevention and control efforts, aiming to build a safe community of the VRC.

Leaders of the VRC expect young people in the Asia-Pacific region, including Việt Nam, to promote their intelligence, creativity and enthusiasm, actively contributing to the forum’s success.

They will affirm their pioneering part in activities and initiatives of the regional and international Red Cross - Red Crescent Societies campaigns.

Speaking at the forum, Maha Barjas Hamoud Al Barjas, Deputy Chairwoman of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said that we were living in a world full of ongoing humanitarian challenges. There are man-made disasters such as wars, as well as natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts and floods.

Humanitarian crises are having a disproportionate impact on young people, along with challenges in education, employment, or risk of being affected by sexual and domestic violence.

We needed to change the way we think and work, becoming closer to maintain sustainability for the current and the coming generations, she said.

She looks forward to the unique and innovative perspectives of young people in solving community and social problems.

During the forum, delegates discussed five topics including Challenges, opportunities, skills, knowledge, attitudes and experiences; Skills and solutions to participate in intergenerational dialogue; Building a foundation for YES 2.0 youth participation; Building knowledge about innovation and digitalisation, and; Preparing for disaster.

Young people had the opportunity to exchange, discuss and express their own views, demonstrating their determination and responsibility in promoting their pioneering, creative and prepared role in responding to future disasters in the Asia-Pacific region.

Participating in this forum, Việt Nam has a typical youth representative with many inspiring social activities. She is Nguyễn Thúc Thùy Tiên, 25, Miss Grand International 2021.

She believes that among each of us, no one is in a more important position than anyone else. Each person from his or her position can do something for the community.

“As long as you keep the fire of enthusiasm and readiness in your heart, young people can do many things as planned. With each action, no matter how small, we unite to create the strength of the Asia-Pacific Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies youth network, writing our names on the map of the country and region through own actions,” she said. — VNS