Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà addresses opening session of the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York on March 22, which is celebrated as the World Water Day. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tuấn

NEW YORK — Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà has highlighted the need to establish a social ethical standard in relations and behaviours regarding water resources, especially transboundary water, in accordance with the principles of fairness, equality, rationality, and respect for the rights and interests of other countries in river basins. 

He made the call when addressing the opening session of the UN 2023 Water Conference in New York on March 22, World Water Day.

Sharing concerns about the fact that nearly one-third of the world's population is living in countries with water stress or scarcity, the Deputy PM stressed that the water agenda should be given a prominent position in sustainable development, alongside climate change, socio-economic and environmental development. 

He said a global science-based legal framework is needed to orient and coordinate the sustainable exploitation, use, and restoration of water resources, and urged the formation of global and regional science and technology centres on water, along with a monitoring network and a database on water, and plans for the exploitation, use and improvement of quality of water for transboundary rivers.

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 Hà said that Việt Nam has been implementing many policies and solutions to strengthen the effective management, protection and sustainable exploitation and use of water resources, contributing to ensuring the implementation of sustainable development goals in accordance with the 2030 Agenda.

Việt Nam has continuously worked to perfect and strengthen the institutional and policy framework to ensure people have access to clean and hygienic water; and commits to ensuring maximum benefits that water brings while minimising water-related harms, thus contributing to economic development and improvement of life quality.

Specifically, 100 per cent of major river basins in Việt Nam 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, Hà stated.

He also affirmed Việt Nam's pledge to maintain cooperation with other countries, actively participate in action programmes and collaboration initiatives on water and water security, and share information, particularly with countries with shared water sources, contributing to global efforts for a world of sustainable development.

The UN Water Conference, held for the first time after 46 years, is 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. — VNS