Hanoi (VNA) – The 2019 National Press Awards forDisaster Prevention and Control, the first of its kind, were presented at aceremony in Hanoi on October 13.

The awards, with the main sponsorship of UNDP,Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) and the Central Retail Group in the country,were organised on the occasion of the International Day for Disaster RiskReduction and the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management

The 2019 press awards, themed "ReducingDamage Caused by Natural Disasters - Proactively Adapting to Climate ChangeBegins with the Community", was created to recognise, commend, and rewardepisodes, organisations, and individuals making practical contributions towardsthe dissemination of information and communication on disaster risk management.

In the five and a half months following thelaunch of the awards, from October 10, 2019 to March 31, 2020, organisersreceived 896 submissions in the five categories of printed articles, articlesfrom electronic newspapers, television reportages and documentary programmes,radio submissions, and press photos. The press awards attracted 602journalists, reporters, and collaborators from more than 120 press agencies fromthe national to the local levels.

The organising committee awarded two firstprizes, seven second prizes, 10 third prizes, and one for the Nhan dan (People)newspaper for the most entries submitted. 

The authors of 13 consolation prizes, as well asthe "Most Powerful Story" and "Most Impressive Image" werealso honoured.

Nguyen Hoang Hiep, Deputy Minister ofAgriculture and Rural Development and head of the awards organising committee,said the work of the press not only deeply and closely reflects the situationof natural disasters in the country, but also offers many multi-dimensionalperspectives on solutions and plans to support the prevention and reduction ofrisk in each specific situation, contributing to extensive communication andraising the sense of responsibility of the whole community in disaster riskmanagement.

Meanwhile, UNDP Resident Representative inVietnam Caitlin Wiesen said media play a vital role in disaster prevention,noting that before, during, after a disaster event, they provide criticalinformation that enables leaders to make decisions and people to respondpromptly. 

“Working together, our joint efforts willcontribute to a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous Vietnam where noone is left behind,” she added.

At the end of the award ceremony, the CentralSteering Committee for Disaster Prevention and Control and UNDP announced thesecond National Press Awards for Disaster Prevention in 2020, which will havethe theme "For a Society Safe from Natural Disasters - ProactivelyAdapting to Climate Change"./.