Disaster Risk Reduction : Vice President attends commemorative ceremony

The commemorative ceremony of the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction was held on October 13 at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-1 in Nay Pyi Taw, attended by Vice President U Nyo Saw, who delivered an opening speech.

To begin the ceremony, staff members from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement performed a dance accompaniment to the song commemorating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. In his opening address, the Vice President stated that the theme for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is “Resilience Starts at Home” which urges the building of resilient structures, families, and communities as a priority in disaster response, preparedness, and rehabilitation; as Myanmar is a country with a high risk of natural disasters, pre-disaster prevention and disaster risk reduction activities are being carried out with high priority in accordance with the Disaster Management Law (2013); in the post-2025 Mandalay earthquake rehabilitation efforts, emphasis is placed on “Build Back Better” and the Myanmar National Building Code 2025 is being drafted and implemented to ensure the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings; and capability and inclusive participation are vital factors in building disaster resilience.

He urged everyone to treat the step-by-step effort starting from individual households up to the national level to build resilience as a national duty. Following his address, the Vice President presented awards to the winners of the article competition, high school painting competition, and disaster awareness animation video competition.

The Union Ministers then presented awards to the winners of the disaster awareness pamphlet design competition, disaster awareness pamphlet design competition (Myanmar traditional painting), and high school painting competitions.

Afterward, a video message sent by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and a documentary video on disaster management activities were screened. The Vice President, along with the attendees, then watched the educational theatrical performance commemorating the 2026 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.