Katalin Novák said that "We often have the feeling that those who want to raise our children are those who did not undertake to raise their own children."Continue reading
“The war in Ukraine, our immediate neighbor, is also affecting us, and we are facing demographic declines and challenges that we have never faced before,” underlined President Katalin Novák on Thursday at the UN Conference on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in New York.
Hungary is a medium-sized country with a population of 10 million in the heart of Europe, and despite the fact that we have no sea or other significant natural resources, we are making outstanding efforts to help those in need, President Novák began, drawing attention to the serious challenges currently facing Europe, including pandemics, forest fires, floods, and the war in Ukraine.
Katalin Novák highlighted that since its launch in 2017, the Hungary Helps program has supported around 300 humanitarian and rehabilitation programs in 54 countries, worth more than 100 million dollars.
She emphasized that Hungary was one of the first countries to come to Turkey’s aid after the earthquake in February, adding that a total of 35 people were rescued from the rubble by 167 Hungarian experts and 29 rescue dogs. In addition, more than 100 tons of medicine and medical equipment were provided to Turkey, and Hungarians are also helping to rebuild several buildings.
“We were there to help during the floods in Pakistan last year and the earthquake in Croatia the year before,” highlighted Katalin Novák, adding that these are just a few examples of how important it is not only to protect ourselves but also to help each other.
Who do we want to save our land for, if not for the next generation?”
asked the president. She added that we need strong families in which we can teach our children how to look after their own environment and help those in need. “Together we can do more to build a safe and sustainable future. Hungary is ready to help,” emphasized Novák.
Following the UN conference, the head of state met with Hungarian diplomat Csaba Kőrösi, currently serving as President of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, to whom she personally expressed her thanks. Novák also had a brief meeting with Mami Mizutori, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Featured photo via Facebook/Katalin Novák