Participants discussed challenges, opportunities, skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experience; intergenerational dialogue; mobilizing the participation of youths; communication and digitalization; and readiness for disasters.

In her opening speech, Maha Barjas Hamoud Al Barjas, Deputy President of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in charge of the Asia-Pacific region, said the world’s humanitarian issues are challenged by natural and human-caused disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, floods, and armed conflicts.

She expressed her hope to see more youths’ actions and more young people involving in leadership positions and in programs and activities to narrow gaps in society.

“We are one big family across the world. We are 191 societies. As young people we should be all together. So I think come and join us can be part of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Family,” said Maha Barjas Hamoud Al Barjas.

Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Miss Grand International 2018, represents Vietnamese youths at the forum (Photo: Anh Huyen)

Representing Vietnam at the forum, Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Miss Grand International 2018, told her story and the stories of other young Vietnamese people about what they have done and what they will do for a future in which Vietnam is ready to respond to disasters.