Acting for clean water, clean air, and a sustainable future

The launch event for World Water Day, World Meteorological Day, Earth Hour and Kick of the “Children and Youth in Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future Programe 2026” jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aims to raise public awareness and promote concrete action in the management, exploitation, and sustainable use of water resources. It will also highlight efforts to strengthen meteorological and hydrological monitoring and forecasting systems; accelerate energy transition and the efficient use of energy; control air pollution; and protect the environment for current and future generations.

500 delegates attended, including leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment; representatives of central ministries and agencies; officials from provincial and municipal People’s Committees and Departments of Agriculture and Environment; international organizations and embassies; social organizations; meteorological and hydrological stations; media outlets; as well as large numbers of students and youth networks engaged in environmental and climate initiatives.

In 2026, World Water Day is observed under the United Nations theme “Water and Gender Equality,” underscoring the link between access to clean water and sanitation and fundamental human rights and gender equality. The theme calls for strengthening the role and voice of women – particularly women and girls, in water governance and protection, contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation for all.

World Meteorological Day carries the message “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” emphasizing the critical role of meteorological, hydrological, and environmental monitoring systems in forecasting and early warning of natural disasters, thereby safeguarding lives and property. As climate change intensifies, modernizing observation networks and applying satellite data, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence are seen as essential to improving forecasting capacity and enabling timely decision-making.

Meanwhile, Earth Hour 2026 continues to promote energy conservation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction under the theme “Green Innovation for a Green Future,” encouraging shifts in consumption patterns and lifestyles across communities.

A key highlight of this year’s launch is the official rollout of the program “Children and Youth Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future.” The initiative is designed to strengthen communication efforts, build capacity, and create opportunities for young people to directly participate in environmental protection, air quality improvement, and climate change response.

A range of accompanying activities will take place during the event, including exhibitions showcasing safe water-use initiatives, the launch of a youth environmental innovation competition, a “60 Minutes for a Green Future” walk, and tree-planting activities. These efforts aim to raise community awareness and encourage individuals and organizations to take practical steps, such as conserving water and electricity, reducing waste, and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Through the launch, organizers hope to generate a strong ripple effect across society, mobilizing government agencies, businesses, and citizens - particularly young people - to engage in protecting natural resources, controlling pollution, and advancing toward a greener, more sustainable future.

The event will be broadcast live on the Vietnam Agriculture and Nature News online website.