Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with UNICEF Vietnam, has called on society to take action for clean water and clean air, while placing young people at the center of environmental protection efforts.

Marking World Water Day (March 22), World Meteorological Day (March 23) and the Earth Hour 2026 campaign, the ministry and UNICEF launched a nationwide program on the morning of March 21 titled “Children and Youth Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future,” urging collective efforts to safeguard natural resources, the environment and the climate.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized that water, climate and energy form the core foundations of sustainable development. For Vietnam, these elements are not only tied to natural resources but also directly affect food security, livelihoods and the stability of ecosystems.

However, under mounting pressure from climate change, environmental management is facing significant challenges. Demand for water resources continues to rise, pollution remains insufficiently controlled, and extreme weather events - including storms, droughts, salinity intrusion and landslides - are becoming more frequent and severe.

The ministry’s leadership stressed that the future cannot be left to chance and must be shaped through action today, calling on all sectors of society to join hands in protecting water resources and preserving air quality for both present and future generations.

A key highlight of the event was a strong call directed at the business community. Authorities urged enterprises to accelerate technological innovation, promote circular and low-carbon economic models, reduce emissions and use resources more efficiently.

At the same time, individuals are encouraged to begin with simple daily actions such as saving electricity and water, reducing waste and adopting more environmentally responsible habits.

At the event, Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Representative in Vietnam, underscored that all environmental efforts ultimately aim to protect children and their future.

According to UNICEF, approximately 99.5% of children in Vietnam - around 26.2 million - are currently exposed to climate and environmental risks. These threats are already affecting their health, education and everyday lives.

The “Children and Youth Action for Clean Air and a Sustainable Future” program aims to raise awareness, strengthen capacity and create space for young people to propose initiatives and directly participate in environmental protection and air quality improvement efforts.

The central message reiterated throughout the launch was clear: protecting natural resources, the environment and the climate is no longer a choice, but an urgent necessity.

 
Vu Diep