Vietnam underlines importance of ethical standards in tackling water resources
VOV.VN - Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has underscored the need to establish a social ethical standard for behaviour regarding water resources, especially transboundary water, in line with the principles of fairness, equality, rationality, and respect for the rights and interests of other countries in river basins.
He made the statement whilst addressing the opening session of the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York on March 22.
Sharing concerns about the fact that nearly one-third of the world's population are living in countries with water stress or scarcity, the Deputy PM emphasised that the water agenda should be given a prominent position in terms of sustainable development, alongside climate change, socio-economic development, and environmental development.
A global science-based legal framework is therefore needed to orient and co-ordinate the sustainable exploitation, use, and restoration of water resources, whilst the Deputy PM urged the formation of global and regional science and technology centres on water, along with a monitoring network and a database on water. This is in addition to coming up with plans for the exploitation, use, and improvement of quality of water for transboundary rivers, he said.
Deputy PM Ha also proposed establishing UN organisations and agencies such as a scientific committee on transboundary water and an international river council, setting up a transboundary river basin financial fund, or expanding the river basin financing function for the Global Environment Facility.
Talking to other participants at the conference, Deputy PM Ha stated that the country has been carrying out numerous policies and solutions aimed at intensifying the effective management, protection, and sustainable exploitation and use of water resources. This thereby contributes to ensuring the implementation of sustainable development goals in accordance with the 2030 Agenda.
The nation has continuously strived to perfect and strengthen the institutional and policy framework in a bid to ensure people have access to clean and hygienic water, whilst making commitments to ensuring maximum benefits that water brings while minimising water-related harms, thus contributing to economic development and improvement of life quality.
Specifically, 100% of major river basins in the country have their water resources regulated to address water scarcity through water resource planning. By 2030, all households in urban areas will have access to clean water in accordance with standards, Deputy PM Ha stated.
He also reiterated the Vietnamese pledge to maintain co-operation with other nations, actively participate in action programmes, and collaboration initiatives on water and water security. This is along with sharing information, particularly with countries with shared water sources to contribute to global efforts for a world of sustainable development.
The UN Water Conference is being held for the first time after 46 years and is viewed as an opportunity for countries to discuss, evaluate, share experience, and results of implementing the International Decade for Action “Water for Sustainable Development”; seek new initiatives, and make global commitments and action plans.