Phnom Penh – On the significant morning of October 20, 2023, H.E. Sok Buntha, Secretary of State and representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation, led a professional delegation to celebrate National Disaster Management Day, under the theme “National Investment in Community Resilience.” The occasion witnessed the presence of key stakeholders, including relevant ministries, institutions, the Armed Forces, the Capital Administration, the Cambodian Red Cross, and technical officers from national and international partner organizations. This ceremony was presided over by His Excellency General Kun Kim, Senior Minister responsible for Special Missions, who serves as the First Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Management, representing H.E. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia and Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Management.
During the event, the National Committee for Disaster Management presented a comprehensive report on the activities of the past nine months, emphasizing Cambodia’s encounter with various disasters, such as storms, lightning, landslides, epidemics, fires, road accidents, water-related incidents, and other hazards. These incidents resulted in casualties, property damage, and disruption of livelihoods in various communities.
The Prime Minister’s message was a highlight of the occasion, broadcast during the National Disaster Management Day on October 13, 2023. Prime Minister Samdech Hun Manet expressed strong support for the organization of the National Day for Disaster Management under the theme “National Investment in Community Resilience.” He underlined the event’s significance in addressing the needs and requirements of institutions and the Cambodian people. The Prime Minister stressed the need for continued efforts to enhance resilience to disasters, ensuring the safety and development of villages, communes, and communities while promoting harmony and quality of life.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to actively participate in the Royal Government’s endeavors to sustain economic growth, pursue smart investments, improve housing, and establish secure business locations. He emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable businesses for stable livelihoods, promoting a clean environment, and ensuring safe and well-structured villages and communes that uphold shared cultural values. The Prime Minister also called upon ministries and state institutions at both the national and sub-national levels to prioritize disaster management as a core area and fortify the National Committee for Disaster Management. This entails ensuring human resources, essential materials, and resources for disaster management, response, and post-disaster recovery efforts. Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for these entities to enhance existing mechanisms, policies, strategies, and programs while integrating disaster management and climate change adaptation to boost resilience in economic, social, health, and environmental aspects.
His Excellency Kun Kim, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions and First Vice Chairman of the National Committee for Disaster Management, appealed for support and donations from ministries, institutions, capital and provincial administrations, national and international partners, and philanthropic individuals. The objective is to secure vital rescue equipment, including rescue boats priced at $8,500 per unit and firefighting gear at $2,700 per set. This essential equipment will aid in disaster response and relief efforts, safeguarding lives and properties during times of crisis.
