Hosted by Thai Public Broadcasting Service, the Summit was opened by its Director General, Dr Kritsada Ruengareerat. He said that the media is encouraged to adopt specific disaster risk reduction communication policies and must support early warning systems and life-saving protective measures. Dr Kritsada added that the media should also: “stimulate a culture of prevention and strong community involvement in sustained public education campaigns and public consultations at all levels of society, in accordance with national practices.”
In his welcome speech, the ABU Secretary-General, Dr Javad Mottaghi reminded that Krabi was severely affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 where nearly 1400 people lost their lives. This dramatic situation, Dr Mottaghi said: “gives us inspiration to press ahead with the ABU Climate and Disaster Literacy Campaign. This is a campaign to use media to build strong and knowledgeable communities that are able to turn climate change challenges into opportunities and survive the brutal forces of nature.”
The Summit Flag was handed over by the ABU Secretary-General to the Director of Thai PBS. This reminds us of the 1st ABU Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2014.