Proposing initiatives to effectively implement the intergovernmental hydrological program

Photo caption — Mr. Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, speaks. Photo: Khanh Hoa/VNA

Vietnam hosted this Meeting on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO's water science programme to promote cooperation, research and water resources management for a safe, sustainable water future.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh said that Vietnam was honored to host this event. This is a valuable opportunity to review the outstanding achievements during the half-century of cooperation, and at the same time open a new phase of cooperation in the management and sustainable development of water resources in the region.

According to Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh, water resources are not only essential for life, but also the foundation for socio -economic development, ensuring food security, energy security, and environmental security.

"However, we are facing many new challenges: climate change, floods, droughts with complex and unpredictable developments; rapid urbanization; water pollution and inequality in access to clean water. These challenges require us to take strong actions together, based on scientific knowledge, modern technology and close international cooperation. As an active member country of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program, Vietnam has implemented many national programs on integrated water resources management, enhanced monitoring and warning of natural disasters, as well as promoted international cooperation in research and training on water science," Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh emphasized.

Appreciating the role of UNESCO in leading global programs, supporting countries to improve their water management capacity and especially the contribution of the Asia-Pacific Regional Steering Committee in connecting scientists in the region, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh also praised the active work of UNESCO, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Vietnam National Committee for the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program, and agencies, experts and scientists who have accompanied in the preparation and organization of this important event, and believed that the 32nd Meeting will continue to promote the spirit of solidarity, regional cooperation, share valuable experiences and practical lessons, propose new initiatives to contribute to the effective implementation of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program Strategic Plan for the period 2022-2029 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Natural Sciences, stated: “Water management is not only a matter of science or governance, but also a foundation for cooperation, understanding and peace. The Law on Water Resources (2023) of Viet Nam represents a modern and comprehensive approach, balancing the protection of water resources and ecosystems, economic growth and social welfare, contributing to the pioneering role of the Asia-Pacific region in realizing the vision of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme through science-based governance and cooperation.”

Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki congratulated the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and the 32nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme Steering Committee for Asia-Pacific held in Hanoi today.

"The Government of Japan has always accompanied UNESCO - Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme in research, training and experience sharing on disaster risk management, including the establishment of the International Centre for Water Risk and Disaster Management (ICHARM) in Tsukuba, Japan," Ambassador Ito Naoki affirmed.

The Japanese Ambassador also emphasized that the application of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools in urban water management will contribute to minimizing flood risks caused by climate change.

At the meeting, Associate Professor, PhD, Director of the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, Chairwoman of the Steering Committee of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program in the Asia-Pacific region Pham Thi Thanh Nga said that the meeting was an opportunity to evaluate the results of the implementation of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program, share experiences between countries, and build new cooperation orientations in the region, towards promoting scientific research, technological innovation and improving capacity for water resources management. At the same time, she thanked UNESCO, the Government of Japan and members of the Steering Committee of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Program in the Asia-Pacific region for always accompanying and supporting Vietnam in the common effort for a region with water security and sustainable development.

Referring to the cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO, Ms. Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary General, National Commission for UNESCO in Vietnam, said that water resources are under great pressure, so to solve water challenges, close cooperation between countries, including Vietnam, is needed.

"Over the past five decades, UNESCO has always accompanied Vietnam. Hosting this meaningful session today is a vivid demonstration of the cooperation between Vietnam and UNESCO. This promotes sustainable development, cooperation, and continues to go hand in hand in the future. I look forward to discussions focusing on specific measures to promote cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region towards a future that is resilient to water challenges for future generations," said Ms. Le Thi Hong Van.

At the meeting, delegates discussed and shared issues related to ensuring water security in recent times, and looked back at the five-decade journey of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and the role and contribution of the Asia-Pacific region in promoting scientific cooperation on water, as well as discussed new directions within the framework of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Strategy Phase 9 (2022-2029), focusing on research, innovation and education for a water-secure world.

As part of the series of events celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme and the 60th anniversary of the UNESCO water science programme, delegates will visit the National Water Resources Monitoring Centre (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) and Tan Lap Monitoring Station (Hanoi).

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/de-xuat-sang-kien-trien-khai-hieu-qua-chuong-trinh-thuy-van-lien-chinh-phu-20251022165134851.htm