The Second ABU Media Summit on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction met all expectations in Krabi Province, Thailand. The Krabi Media Action Plan has been unanimously adopted. Nearly 300 delegates from more than 25 countries attended the one-week event. Journalists from ABU member countries got the opportunity to upgrade their knowledge in disaster coverage. Last but not least, the ABU TV Awards was highly acclaimed by all the attendees in Krabi. For the first time, the ABU has recognised the efforts of broadcasters in the production of documentaries on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction. The Summit was webcast by ThaiPBS and promoted on the ABU website, Facebook and Twitter.
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.
