Resilient Communities - Adapting to disasters

Resilient Communities – Adapting to Disaster

Building on the spirit of proactiveness and early action in strengthening disaster prevention, response and recovery capacity, the theme of the 2025 National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control underlines the central role of communities and citizens. A strong community not only helps minimize disaster risks, but also provides a solid foundation for sustainable national development. 

But, this year’s theme goes beyond delivering a message – it serves as a compass to guide impactful actions at every level and locality across the nation. Sustainability does not come from temporary coping measures, but from preparedness, self-protection, and solidarity across society. The community – the first to be impacted when disasters strike – is also the first to rise, respond, and recover. When every citizen clearly understands the risks, when every village has a ready plan, and when the spirit of compassion is omnipresent, the whole community’s resilience is reinforced. Within this the connection across generations, especially the active engagement of youth and students, plays a pivotal role in building adaptive and safe communities, not only for today – but also tomorrow and the long-term. 

A Youthful Generation – A Bridge to Disaster Management 

With the aim of amplifying the voice and participation of young people in disaster prevention and control, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the People’s Committee of Lao Cai province, in collaboration with UNICEF Viet Nam and with important support from the Government of Japan, organized a series of activities to mark the 2025 National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control (May 15–22, 2025) in northern Lao Cai province. The programme featured competitions and extracurricular events that drew the participation of thousands of children, headlined by many meaningful and memorable highlights. 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

• The drawing contest “Children’s View of Disasters” was launched for 11,192 students from 28 primary schools in Bao Thang district, of whom 45 per cent were girls and 48 per cent from ethnic minority groups. After the preliminary round, 150 outstanding works were selected for the finals, and 31 winning paintings were awarded and showcased at the commemorative rally.
• The “Golden Bell Contest – Together for Disaster Preparedness, Building a Sustainable Future” brought together 1,360 secondary school students (32.5 per cent ethnic minority and 49.26 per cent girls) from three schools. The contest created an engaging platform for students to review knowledge and practice disaster response skills in a vivid, interactive way.
• The extracurricular mural painting activity “Ready for Disasters and Climate Change” involved all students of Bao Thang Boarding Secondary and High School for Ethnic Minorities. Together, they created five murals titled “Resilient Communities – Adapting to Disasters”, “Safe Schools Against Disasters”, “Recognizing Natural Hazards”, “Planting Trees – Reducing Flood and Landslide Risks”, and “The Loving Journey”. These works not only beautified the school, but also helped spread disaster management messages within the learning environment.
• The commemorative rally, held under the theme “Resilient Communities – Adapting to Disasters”, attracted more than 900 participants, including students, teachers, and delegates (60 per cent girls and 95 per cent from ethnic minority groups). The event concluded with a series of activities, celebrating achievements and spreading the spirit of proactiveness in disaster preparedness from within the community.  

At the commemorative rally, Vice Minister of Agriculture and Environment Mr. Nguyen Hoang Hiep emphasized the bridging role of younger generations, especially students, as crucial for both the present and future in disaster prevention, response, and recovery. 

Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Viet Nam, said: “This year’s National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control highlights that resilience begins with strong individuals, inclusive schools, and united communities. Building resilient, disaster-adaptive communities means prioritizing four key areas: disaster risk reduction systems designed to better protect our children; preparedness and climate adaptation plans ensuring safety, well-being, and placing children’s voices at the centre; stronger early warning systems that reach every school, family, and child nationwide; and finally, investing today – not tomorrow – in locally-led adaptation and response plans that reflect the specific needs of children, women, and vulnerable groups”. 

Also within the framework of the event, Mr. Hoang Quoc Khanh, Standing Vice Chair of Lao Cai Provincial People’s Committee, stressed: “Lao Cai province considers disaster prevention and control a regular and urgent task that requires the collective engagement of the entire political system and society. Guided by the principle of ‘four on-the-spot’ and through early, effective action, the province has proactively implemented comprehensive measures – with special attention given to vulnerable groups, including children and students”. 

One Week of Action – Diverse Initiatives – One Shared Spirit 

The National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control 2025 was not only about communication activities, but a powerful reminder of the responsibility of every individual and community in building disaster resilience. Competitions, ceremonies, and artistic performances spread a clear message: when each person understands the risks, when every village has a plan, and when communities join hands, that collective strength becomes the key to reducing disaster risks – for a safer and more sustainable future.  

Watch the recap video of the activities that marked the National Week for Disaster Prevention and Control 2025 here:  

FOR A SAFE, CLEAN AND GREEN VIET NAM FOR EVERY CHILD 

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