Dinh Gia Han from Thai Binh province will represent Vietnamese youth and share her views with other nations at the “Asian Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction,” scheduled for December 2024.
Dinh Gia Han is the youngest participant in Viet Nam’s 2024 “English Speaking Contest on Disaster Prevention and Climate Change Adaptation for Children” and won first prize. The contest, co-organized by the Department of Dyke Management and Natural Disaster Prevention and Control (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) and UNICEF, received support from the Japanese government and Amslink International English System. Over 5,000 students took part this year, making it a valuable platform for young people to learn about and raise awareness on disaster prevention and climate change adaptation.
A Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development representative shared that the entries showcased the creativity and perspectives of the younger generation, the country’s future leaders. The contest successfully encouraged students to explore, create, raise awareness among others, and propose innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of disasters and adapt to climate change.
This year’s speeches centered on sharing experiences in disaster prevention, encouraging friends in storm-affected areas, persuading authorities to incorporate disaster prevention into school curricula, youth contributions, policy advocacy, and perspectives on the environmental burdens left for younger generations.
Ly Phat Viet Linh, a UNICEF representative, stated that the English-speaking competition on Disaster Prevention and Climate Change Adaptation provides a platform for young minds across Viet Nam to contribute ideas and actions toward one of humanity's most pressing challenges. Like many other nations, Vietnam faces disasters and climate change, causing severe damage to people, property, and the environment. Heatwaves, floods, storms, and other extreme events threaten children’s health, development, safety, and access to essential services, with particularly significant impacts on vulnerable groups such as ethnic minorities in remote areas, children with disabilities, children living in poverty, and girls.
UNICEF places children and youth at the heart of disaster risk reduction and climate change response efforts. The younger generation also shares responsibility for protecting people and ecosystems, supported by government agencies, schools, and communities.