Launch of Children and Youth in Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future Programme

This morning in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) organized a launching ceremony to respond to World Water Day, World Meteorological Day, and the Earth Hour Campaign 2026, and kicked off the program "Children and Youth in Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future".

In 2026, World Water Day, themed "Water and Gender Equality", highlights the importance of water resources for the stability and prosperity of the economy, while affirming the role of women and children in water governance and protection.

World Meteorological Day, with the message "Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow", emphasizes the role of science, technology, and meteorological observation systems in economic development, disaster prevention, and protecting people's lives and property.

The Earth Hour Campaign 2026, themed "Green Creativity - Green Future", calls on the community to join hands in using energy efficiently, promoting energy transition and green economic development, contributing to building a green and sustainable future for generations to come.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment assessed that, for Vietnam, water resources and hydro-meteorological conditions not only determine water and food security but also directly impact people's livelihoods, ecosystem stability, and economic development.

Mr. Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment:

At today’s ceremony, the MAE calls on ministries, sectors, central mass organizations, Youth Unions at all levels, local authorities, businesses, organizations, and citizens to take practical action for climate action, efficient energy use, and environmental protection, creating a strong ripple effect across society toward a sustainable future.

The business community is encouraged to accelerate technological innovation, advance the circular and low-carbon economy, reduce emissions, and use resources more efficiently to protect the environment. Every citizen can contribute through simple daily actions – saving water and electricity, reducing waste, and helping build a greener future for ourselves and future generations.

Vietnam is entering a new stage of development with the aspiration to become a prosperous, green, and sustainable nation. In this journey, effective natural resource management, environmental protection, and proactive climate action will remain central priorities for the agriculture and environment sector, as well as for the country as a whole.

We cannot wait for the future – we must act today. Together, let us protect every drop of water, value every breath of clean air, and use the nation’s resources responsibly and sustainably.

In observance of World Water Day, World Meteorological Day, and Earth Hour, the UNICEF representative in Viet Nam stated that this is not only an occasion to look back at statistics or challenges, but more importantly, a time to commit to action.

Ms. Silvia Danailov, Representative of UNICEF in Vietnam:

Today's event marks an extremely important milestone, which is the kickoff of the "Children and Youth in Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future" program. Clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment are essential factors for the health, learning, and development of every child. However, in Vietnam, children are increasingly exposed to more air pollution and climate-related hazards.

Ms. Dinh Thuy Dung, student at Thuy Loi University

Well, I think water is something very important. Because we have to use water daily for eating, drinking, and general use, so water plays an essential role in life. And my university has activities related to water. For example today, students get to participate in a water festival at the Children's Cultural Palace, and we will promote awareness among students on how to protect water and how not to pollute water resources. First of all, we must protect it before we can talk about how to develop water sources to make them cleaner.

Ms. Nguyen Lan Huong, student at Phuc Dien Secondary School, Hanoi

Uh, we have class meetings to raise awareness about saving electricity and water, and there are also drawing contests to promote conservation. This year, my family still turns off lights to save energy. In my opinion, if every family turns off electricity, the nation will consume less power.

Water, climate, energy - three elements that play a foundational role in sustainable development, water security, food security, and people's livelihoods. The three messages of these three elements have been strongly spread to the community for a sustainable future.