ASEM Summit examines climate change adaptation

The event aims to launch government initiatives proposed by the Prime Minster, Nguyen Tan Dung, at the ninth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) which concluded in Vientiane, Laos on November 17.

The ASEM initiative is sponsored by the highest number of member nations including the Philippines, Laos, Indonesia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, the EU and Pakistan.

In his opening speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Pham Binh Minh, warned about severe natural disasters which are predicted to rise in both frequency and sphere of influence.

Asia and Europe are described as the worst hit regions for natural disasters.

The Asian Pacific region accounts for 70 per cent of global natural disasters, while two thirds of victims are in Asia alone. This is predominantly attributed to human behaviours such as industrialization, urbanization and rapid population growth, which in turn has resulted in climate change- the biggest conundrum of the 21^st century.

The world is facing huge challenges in fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 as well as efforts to reduce poverty, narrow development gaps and strengthen connectivity.

Natural disaster is regarded as the fiercest non-traditional threat to security, hindering  projects aimed at improving quality of life, ensuring sustainable economic development and boosting international economic links.

Minh suggested ASEM members share education, knowledge and experience of natural disasters and collaborate on how to implement mitigation measures and build early warning systems for natural hazards.

ASEM should take stronger actions in implementing the Unite Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s Hydro Framework for Action (HFA), Minh said.

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Cao Duc Phat also praised ASEM members’ coordination in carrying out the initiative.