Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh delivered the opening remarks, highlighting Viet Nam’s view of water cooperation as a pillar of sustainable development, national security, and regional connectivity in Asia

Water resource management amid climate change challenges

The AWC 2025 meeting took place as Asia faces growing challenges from climate change, extreme weather events, water scarcity, and rapid urbanization. The conference aligns with Vietnam’s national policies on international integration, climate adaptation, and sustainable management of water and environmental resources. 

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized the crucial role of the Asia Water Council and its member countries in connecting policies, technologies, and financial mechanisms to address water issues comprehensively and equitably.

Acknowledging Vietnam’s particular vulnerability to climate change, Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh proposed four key cooperation priorities for the 2026–2030 period between Vietnam and the AWC. These include promoting smart water governance and climate adaptation; developing digital water databases and advanced monitoring–forecasting systems; ensuring transboundary water security; and expanding safe water supply, sustainable wastewater treatment, and reuse.

“With sincere cooperation and long-term vision, this conference will open a new chapter in regional water collaboration, contributing to a future where Asia is water-secure, climate-resilient, and prosperous for generations to come,” Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh stated.

Digital transformation and the “Hanoi initiative for water security”

The AWC President reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to addressing global water challenges and expressed hope that the event would create new opportunities for cooperation and practical solutions to regional water issues. Representing Vietnam’s organizing agencies, Mr. Nguyen Chi Nghia from the Northern Federation for Water Resources Planning and Investigation introduced the “Hanoi Initiative – Action for Asia’s water security,” which focuses on three pillars: promoting data sharing, transboundary monitoring, and sustainable development planning; strengthening forecasting and early warning capacity through AI and digital technologies, while establishing a Regional Water Security Coordination Center within the AWC framework; and fostering policy cooperation and resource mobilization.

Seogdae Yun, Chairman of the Asia Water Council and CEO of Korea Water Corporation (K-water), stressed that climate change challenges transcend national borders, making cooperation and joint solutions more urgent than ever

The “Hanoi Initiative” embodies Vietnam’s proactive and responsible approach, while demonstrating the shared commitment of Asian nations to ensuring water security, safe water supply, and climate resilience. AWC member countries, international organizations, and development partners will thus have greater opportunities to enhance and expand cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in hydrological data management, early warning systems, and environmental protection.

Speaking at the conference, Mr. Nguyen Minh Khuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Water Resources Management under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, noted that Vietnam’s water management efforts have contributed to regulating, allocating, protecting, and restoring water resources to cope with drought, saltwater intrusion, and climate change impacts. The Department is implementing national water resource planning, monitoring all major reservoirs, developing management scenarios for eight river basins, and advancing digital-based governance using IoT systems, real-time data, and decision-support tools to modernize resource management. Mr. Khuyen emphasized that through cooperation and technology adoption, Viet Nam aims to strengthen national water security and raise its water security index.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Diep, President of the Vietnam Water Supply and Sewerage Association, added that the country’s water supply sector is undergoing strong transformation toward modern, green, and sustainable management. Over the past decade, many urban areas have ensured 24-hour water service that meets national standards. About 70 percent of urban households are connected to drainage systems, 20 percent of wastewater is treated, and more than 80 wastewater treatment projects are in operation. He highlighted that digital transformation through GIS, SCADA, smart sensors, and real-time hydraulic modeling has significantly improved water supply efficiency and environmental safety.

Delegates posed for a group photo at the conference

Panel discussions during the event presented a range of initiatives and solutions on water governance, environmental protection, and green growth. Vietnam leveraged the occasion to access international experiences, innovative technologies, and financial resources to support sustainable development. The “Hanoi Initiative – Action for Asia’s water security” serves as a foundation for AWC members, international organizations, and development partners to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in hydrological data management, early warning, environmental protection, and safe water supply.

By hosting AWC 2025, Vietnam reaffirms its leadership role in promoting innovation, digital transformation, and international cooperation in the water sector. The event demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to a water-secure, climate-resilient, and prosperous Asia for future generations.

About the Asia Water Council (AWC)

Founded in 2016, the Asia Water Council (AWC) brings together more than 170 members from 40 countries, united under the motto “Sharing water – Connecting Asia – Ensuring a sustainable future.” The Council acts as a platform for technology transfer, financial mobilization, and human resource development in the water sector, and plays an important role in global water initiatives.

Khanh Linh - Ngoc Huyen