Policy and technology synergies to address water sector challenges

On November 5, the 23rd Asia Water Council (AWC) Summit and the AWC 2025 Technical Workshop officially opened in Hanoi.

From November 5-6, the 23rd AWC Conference and the AWC 2025 Technical Workshop were jointly organized by the Asian Water Council (AWC); Vietnam Water and Environment Association (VWEA) and the Northern Water Resources Planning and Investigation Federation (NVWATER), under the chairmanship of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment .

Governance vision goes hand in hand with digital transformation

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh said that the theme "Sustainable Water Governance, Digital Transformation and Investment Cooperation for the Future" represents the strategic vision of AWC, in line with the global trend of green growth, digital transformation and governance based on data science.

As a downstream country of many large river systems and strongly affected by climate change and extreme weather events, Vietnam considers water resource management a strategic priority. The Vietnamese Government has issued the Water Resources Planning for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, aiming to ensure water security, equity in access and sustainable use of resources according to Decision 1622/QD-TTg in 2022.

Accordingly, Vietnam is actively cooperating with international partners in many basin governance initiatives, contributing to the effective implementation of Resolution 57-NQ/TW on scientific and technological revolution and Resolution 59-NQ/TW on international integration.

Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh delivered the opening speech at the 23rd AWC Conference and AWC 2025 Technical Workshop. Photo: Kieu Chi.

The event also launched the Hanoi Initiative - Action for Asian Water Security with three key contents: Promoting data sharing, cross-border monitoring and sustainable development planning; improving disaster forecasting and warning capacity, applying AI, digital technology and establishing a Regional Water Security Coordination Center in AWC; policy cooperation and resource mobilization.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Khuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources Management (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) said that in recent times, Vietnam's water resources management has contributed to regulating, allocating, protecting, restoring and developing water resources, and responding to climate change.

More than 100 domestic and international delegates attended and contributed smart technology solutions and innovations in the management, protection and sustainable exploitation of water resources. Photo: Kieu Chi.

In recent times, the Department of Water Resources Management has monitored 100% of large lakes, announced scenarios for 8 basins, operated in real time, and ensured water security. At the same time, the Department has deployed national water resources management on a digital technology platform with IoT, live data, and decision-making tools as the foundation for modernizing water resources management. Through the conference, Mr. Khuyen hopes to coordinate with units to build water security solutions, apply science and technology, and raise the water security index to a high level.

The need for cooperation to address the challenge of climate change

According to Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of AWC and General Director of Korea Water Corporation (K-water), Vietnam's role as host country demonstrates its strong commitment to promoting regional cooperation on water resources and towards creating regional water security.

This is an opportunity for governments, civil society and the private sector to work together to shape the future of the water sector. “Climate change challenges transcend national borders, making the need for collaboration and joint solutions more urgent than ever,” added Seogdae Yun.

Mr. Seogdae Yun, Chairman of AWC and General Director of Korea Water Corporation (K-water). Photo: Kieu Chi.

Vietnam's water supply and drainage industry is undergoing a strong transformation towards modern, green and sustainable management. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Diep, Chairman of the Vietnam Water Supply and Drainage Association, informed that over the past decade, many urban areas have provided 24-hour water supply meeting national standards. About 70% of urban households have connected to the drainage system; 20% of wastewater is treated, more than 80 wastewater treatment projects are in operation. Mr. Diep affirmed that Vietnam has actively transformed digitally, deployed GIS, SCADA, smart sensors, real-time hydraulic models, aiming to reduce the national water loss rate to below 15% by 2025.

The conference recorded many recommendations and initiatives on water resource management, environmental protection, and green economic development. From there, Vietnam had the opportunity to access international experiences, smart technology solutions and innovations in the management, protection, and sustainable exploitation of water resources. Many Korean enterprises also displayed achievements in smart water management; organic sludge treatment; disaster and flood warning equipment; super-precise smart flow meters; wastewater treatment technology into drinking water, etc.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/hop-luc-chinh-sach-cong-nghe-giai-quyet-cac-thach-thuc-nganh-nuoc-d782363.html