AKIPRESS.COM - Mongolian Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) are co-organizing the East Asia Five Plus (EA5+) Forum of the Leaders in Ulaanbaatar from July 30 to August 1, the Foreign Ministry of Mongolia reports.

Leaders of the Red Cross Societies from East Asian countries hold an annual meeting to discuss humanitarian issues in the region, share best practices, and define areas of cooperation and priorities.

The EA5+ Forum is significant for consolidating cooperation and actions among the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to ensure preparedness for any crisis, effective response, and strengthened capacity of National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The Forum discusses the priority goals of East Asia and their implementation and exchange views on strengthening National Societies for enhanced cooperation and participation in the region, focusing on humanitarian activities aligned with regional and global commitments. In-depth discussions also will be held on climate change, disaster preparedness, youth engagement, women's leadership, and enhancing national societies' cooperation and coordination for effective response to potential mega-disasters in the region.

Mongolia is one of the countries highly susceptible to climate change, experiencing frequent extreme cold, prolonged harsh winters, dzud, droughts, wildfires, snow and dust storms, spring floods, and other natural disasters. The IFRC and National Societies, such as the Red Cross Society of China, the Japanese Red Cross Society, and the Republic of Korea National Red Cross, provided all-round support to Mongolia in overcoming the dzud disaster that occurred last winter.

Prior to the EA5+ Forum, the East Asia Red Cross Youth Camp Gathering and the East Asia Youth Network Face-to-Face Meeting took place in Ulaanbaatar on July 25-30. 

"National Society leaders have a special responsibility to support children and youth by continuously enhancing their knowledge and skills in disaster preparedness, investing in their development, and ensuring their participation in humanitarian activities and all levels of decision-making within the Red Cross Society," Foreign Minister of Mongolia Battsetseg Batmunkh noted.