Filipino youth lead international day for disaster reduction in Geneva
The Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that two Filipino students highlighted celebrations of the International Day for Disaster Reduction Day at the United Nations in Geneva on October13.
Andre' Brent Bryle M. Soon and Tricia Mae T. Plenos of San Francisco in Camotes Island, Cebu joined the event via video link from the Philippines.
The two youth leaders reminded the UN community of the importance of the role of youth in disaster risk reduction (DRR), not merely as recipients of assistance but also as vital participants.
Mr. Soon and Ms. Plenos also participated in the Third Global Platform on DRR held in Geneva last May, and presented the "Children's Charter," an innovative action plan for DRR drafted by child delegates.
UN Secretary-General Mr. Ban Ki-Moon and DRR Asia-Pacific Champion Senator Loren B. Legarda delivered messages of support and advocacy for the global observance of the International Day for Disaster Reduction by video link.
Director-General Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of the UN in Geneva and OIC Helen Molin Valdes of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) congratulated Philippine Permanent Representative Ambassador Evan P. Garcia on the Philippines' leadership in DRR and youth empowerment. The Philippines is strongly committed to DRR, and had sent a high-level delegation to this year's Global Platform, led by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" J. Soliman.