In his statement issued on Friday, PMI Secretary General A.M. Fachir highlighted that the meeting provides an opportunity for the Red Cross and Red Crescent to strengthen collaboration and develop concrete actions to address the climate crisis.
"This crisis has become an urgent global issue impacting all aspects of life. It is a global disaster that demands a global response, particularly from us, the bearers of humanitarian missions and mandates," he said.
Representatives from several Southeast Asian countries — Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Timor Leste, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Indonesia — joined the meeting to discuss the ongoing crises, including those in the health sector.
Fachir said that COVID-19 has provided a global lesson to be constantly ready to face health risks, considering the disease caused a huge loss of life and affected economies.
"As we know, several countries are facing the monkeypox (mpox) outbreak. Some cases have occurred in Indonesia and Thailand. This must be our common concern as the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox a global health emergency," he added.
The meeting also focuses on enhancing synergy and cooperation among institutions, national associations, the regional association ASEAN, governments, the private sector, and other stakeholders to tackle humanitarian challenges.
Additionally, it emphasizes the role of national associations in empowering and educating the public to be resilient and prepared for potential crises, as well as contributing to risk reduction efforts through environmental actions.
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Translator: Chairul R, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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