Put your trust in the younger generation

The forum was attended by more than 40 delegates who are experts and young Vietnamese scientists from government agencies, universities, non-governmental organizations... working in the fields of water resources, environment, natural resources and related fields.

Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Thai Gia Khanh - Deputy Director of the Institute of Water Resources Planning said that water security in Vietnam is facing many challenges due to rapid changes in climate, population and economy . To solve and respond to these challenges, one of the subjects that we put great trust in is young scientists and young experts - people full of energy and enthusiasm to create sustainable change for the future.

Young Vietnamese experts and scientists participate in sharing and exchanging knowledge related to water security issues.

Therefore, Deputy Director of the Institute of Water Resources Planning Thai Gia Khanh believes that the Forum is a place for young scientists to share, update knowledge, discuss water security challenges in Vietnam and experiences in solving these challenges, and at the same time promote the formation of a Network of Young Scientists for Sustainable Water Resources in Vietnam.

Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Michael Croft - Acting Chief Representative of UNESCO Office in Vietnam said: UNESCO in Vietnam's coordination to organize the Forum of Young Scientists for Sustainable Water Resources 2023 (UP4W 2023) with the theme "Water Security and Climate Change Resilience in Vietnam" is an activity to promote cooperation between the two sides in seeking initiatives from the young generation. As part of UNESCO's priorities in Vietnam, the Forum aims to support young scientists to participate in policies and programs related to water resources as well as support initiatives initiated by young scientists/youth on environmental protection, natural resources and sustainable development.

Aiming at the young generation, with the participation of guest speakers who are domestic and foreign experts in the field of water resources, the Forum is a place to share, exchange and update knowledge on challenges and solutions for water security in the context of climate change in Vietnam through presentations, seminars and "World Café" group discussions. The Forum also ensures gender equality as well as implementing an inclusive and culturally sensitive approach.

The Forum is structured into 3 sessions: Presentations by international and Vietnamese experts, researchers, young scientists, and officials working in related fields; Specialized discussion on challenges and solutions for water security in the context of climate change in Vietnam; Group discussion through the form of "World Café" on related topics.

At the thematic session, delegates were updated with knowledge from international and Vietnamese speakers through the presentations: "Water security in the context of climate change from the perspective of the Water - Food - Energy relationship" by Dr. Alex Smajgl - Executive Director of the Mekong Regional Futures Research Institute; "Water security in Vietnam - identifying challenges and orienting solutions" by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Tuan - Head of the Northern Water Resources Planning Department, Institute of Water Resources Planning...

The discussion session received many opinions and initiatives from young scientists to solve problems related to water security and climate change. With the World Café format, all delegates participated actively and comprehensively, especially the active participation of female delegates in the presentation of discussion results.

The panel discussion with guest speakers who are experienced experts from many different units in the field of water resources: Dr. Dao Trong Tu - Deputy Director of the Center for Sustainable Development of Water Resources and Climate Change Adaptation (CEWAREC); Associate Professor, Dr. Do Hoai Nam - Deputy Director of the Center for Training and International Cooperation, Vietnam Institute of Water Resources; Dr. Nguyen Thuy Anh - Officer of the Department of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment ; MSc. Tran Lan Huong - Head of the Natural Sciences Department, UNESCO in Vietnam. Many delegates asked the speakers questions about Vietnam's challenges in ensuring water security in the context of climate change, as well as solutions to address these challenges.

The forum provided multi-dimensional and comprehensive perspectives on Vietnam's water security and response solutions in the context of increasingly complex climate change. The issues raised were answered based on practice and scientific basis, and many solutions found a common voice.

Commenting on the success of the Forum, Mr. Michael Croft said: “The Forum played a role in promoting a common understanding of current water security issues, helping to foster a common approach and discuss how best we can all work together and mobilizing young professionals to support Vietnam in its water management efforts towards sustainable development. I believe the Forum is a good start to lay a favorable foundation for young people to join hands to address the challenges in ensuring water security”.

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