THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam consistently prioritizes multilateral collaboration for water security to mitigate the impacts of climate change, stated Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment.
Addressing the 32nd Regional Steering Committee (RSC) Conference of the International Hydrological Program (IHP) for Asia and the Pacific in Hanoi on October 22, Thanh emphasized that water resources are vital for life and sustainable development, underpinning food, energy, and environmental security.
However, he cautioned that by 2050, approximately 52% of the global population will reside in water-stressed regions. Climate change is accelerating the hydrological cycle, leading to more frequent and severe floods, droughts, and saltwater intrusion.
Conference delegates gather for a group photo. Photos: VNA
Thanh advocated for strengthened international cooperation, driven by science and technology, stressing the need for data-driven solutions and collective action to tackle the escalating water-related challenges exacerbated by climate change.
Organized by IHP Vietnam, in partnership with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO and the UNESCO Office in Hanoi, the conference convened nearly 100 delegates and experts from 17 national IHP committees across the Asia-Pacific region.
This event stands as one of UNESCO’s pivotal international cooperation conferences hosted by Vietnam in 2025, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the IHP and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO’s Water Science. It underscores decades of global dedication to advancing hydrological research and water management.
During the conference, Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van, Secretary-General of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, highlighted the event’s timeliness as the world confronts a “global development emergency,” particularly concerning clean water.
She urged heightened “levels of cooperation and action” to address climate challenges in the Asia-Pacific, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment as a “positive and reliable partner” in contributing initiatives and hosting UNESCO events, aligned with the nation’s vision for “sustainable development and scientific diplomacy.”
Ambassador Le Thi Hong Van (4th from right) and delegates pose for a commemorative photo.
In a video message, UNESCO’s Lidia Brito underscored that prudent water management is “a cornerstone for peace,” praising Vietnam’s leadership as Chair of the regional IHP Steering Committee and the Asia-Pacific’s critical role in addressing climate challenges.
The conference delved into innovative solutions in AI-driven hydrology, disaster risk management, and sustainable water use, aligning regional efforts with UNESCO’s IHP-IX Strategic Plan and contributing to upcoming global water forums. It also showcased initiatives by young Vietnamese scientists recognized in the UNESCO Water Challenge 2025.
Founded in 1975, the International Hydrological Program (IHP) is the UN’s sole intergovernmental program focused on hydrology, water management, and sustainable development. Vietnam’s committee, based at the Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change, has actively engaged in regional cooperation for four decades.
In 2024, Dr. Pham Thi Thanh Nga, Director of the IHP Vietnam, was elected Chair of the Asia-Pacific Regional IHP Steering Committee (2025-2027), marking the first time a woman has held this position in the committee’s 50-year history.
The Mekong River in Can Tho, southern Vietnam. Photo: Linh Pham/The Hanoi Times
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