MAE: Three foundational pillars for sustainable development, security, and livelihoods

“Water, climate, and energy are fundamental to sustainable development. In Vietnam, water resources and hydro-meteorological conditions not only determine water and food security but also directly affect people’s livelihoods, ecosystem stability, and economic growth,” Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh said at the launch event held on the morning of March 21. The event also marked the kickoff of the “Children and Youth Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future” program of UNICEF and MAE.

Three key messages on water, energy, and climate

According to the Deputy Minister, water, climate, and energy are three core pillars of sustainable development for any nation. In Vietnam, water resources and hydro-meteorological conditions play a decisive role not only in ensuring water and food security but also in sustaining livelihoods, maintaining ecosystem balance, and driving economic development.

However, amid global climate change and rising socio-economic demands, water resource management and environmental protection face mounting challenges. Demand for water extraction and use continues to increase, while environmental pollution and ecosystem degradation persist in many areas. Extreme weather events, including major storms, heavy rainfall, droughts, saline intrusion, and landslides, are occurring with greater frequency and intensity.

These challenges underscore the urgent need for Vietnam to strengthen water resource governance, enhance hydro-meteorological forecasting capacity, proactively respond to natural disasters and climate change, protect the environment, and promote green and sustainable economic development.

In 2026, World Water Day is themed “Water and Gender Equality,” highlighting the importance of water resources to economic stability and prosperity 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 monitoring systems in economic development, disaster prevention, and the safeguarding of lives and property.

Earth Hour 2026, themed “Green Innovation - A Green Future,” calls on communities to conserve energy, accelerate the energy transition, and promote a green economy, contributing to a sustainable future for generations to come.

“On the occasion of the 95th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 – March 26, 2026), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment calls on ministries, agencies, mass organizations, youth unions at all levels, local authorities, organizations, individuals, and businesses to take concrete actions - working together on climate action, energy conservation, and environmental protection to create widespread societal impact for a sustainable future,” he stated.

Coordinated solutions to safeguard water, energy, and climate

Given the critical role of these three pillars - water, energy, and climate, the Deputy Minister called for a focus on key actions to amplify the messages launched at the event.

First, develop national databases on natural resources and the environment; deploy smart solutions to monitor and supervise resources, the environment, and climate; and integrate climate change response and adaptation into policies and development strategies across sectors and localities to ensure coherence and optimize investment efficiency for sustainable development.

Second, strengthen communication efforts to raise public awareness and encourage action on energy conservation, water resource protection, and gender equality in water management- particularly empowering women and children to participate in water governance. At the same time, promote the effective use of forecasting and early warning information on natural disasters, air pollution, and climate change, and enhance education on energy saving and environmental protection in schools and communities.

“I call on the business community to accelerate technological innovation, develop circular and low-carbon economies, reduce emissions, and use resources efficiently while protecting the environment. Every individual can start with the smallest actions: saving water, conserving electricity, and reducing waste, to help build a green 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 that journey, effective natural resource management, environmental protection, and proactive climate change response will remain central tasks for the agriculture and environment sector and the country as a whole. We cannot wait for the future to change; we must act today. Let us safeguard every drop of water, cherish every breath of air, and value every natural resource of our nation,” he emphasized.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that, with the joint efforts of all levels of government, sectors, businesses, and citizens, Vietnam can build a greener, safer, and more sustainable future for present and future generations.