SUBMITTED TO: United Nations Development Programme
FROM: The Socialist Republic of Vietnam
SUBJECT: Disaster Risk Reduction
Almost every nation around the globe is subject to extreme weather, making them susceptible to natural disasters. This problem affects the global community both economically and socially, with human and property losses. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is no exception to the effects of natural disasters being plagued by droughts, earthquakes, floods, forest fires, landslides, sea water intrusion, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. Floods and typhoons being the most prevalent due to our proximity to the Indian Ocean, and our geographic makeup of low lying deltas. Around 400 people die and go missing each year, and material losses are in the millions of US dollars due to natural disasters. There is no one hundred percent fix to this issue, but being prepared for natural disasters is one hundred percent possible. With our National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response, and Mitigation, the number of human and property losses have significantly decreased.
The committees focus, for the topic on disaster risk reduction, should be on preparation and response. An effective resolution will address these equally important aspects of disaster risk reduction. Vietnam hopes to see the following topics addressed: promotion of international cooperation and integration; consolidate the system of laws, policies and mechanisms addressing disaster risk reduction within nations; region by region analysis of risk factor; consolidate organizational structures that already operate to respond to disasters; human resources development and social mobilization plans; financial resources that can be used to fund the solutions; community awareness; development of infrastructure designed to withstand certain extreme weather; enhance the search and rescue capacities; and develop science and technologies related to natural disaster prevention, response and mitigation. With these topics addressed in a resolution it will develop a well rounded course of action that can improve global response to the destruction caused by natural disasters.
The Socialist Republic of Vietnam is looking forward to collaborating with other countries on this topic seeing that natural disasters can never be eradicated. We are open to the ideas and opinions of other nations to combat this issue and hope an effective means of solving this issue will arise in committee. Vietnam urges nations to keep in mind preparation is key for readiness and response. Overall internal preparedness for this issue is important, but external help must also be ready in the event it should be needed. Our nation hopes after this committee meets the world will be more prepared to deal with the inevitable disasters.
Sources:
Thi Doan, Nguyen. “Viet Nam: Statement Made at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR).” Viet Nam: Statement Made at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) – Policy, Plans & Statements – Knowledge Base – PreventionWeb.net, Viet Nam – Government, 2015, www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/policies/v.php?id=43984.
“Vietnam.” GFDRR, www.gfdrr.org/en/vietnam.
“Vietnam: National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation to 2020.” Vietnam: National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation to 2020 – Policy, Plans & Statements – Knowledge Base – PreventionWeb.net, Viet Nam – Government, 2007, www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/policies/v.php?id=60654.
- Hava Szarafinski
