Background More than 60 percent of the flow in the river systems is generated outside the country, making Viet Nam’s water resources be prone to decisions made about water resources in upstream countries. The economic development had a negative impact on water quality and caused intensified pressures on the water resources. In addition, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources in the country can be highly variable. River water and groundwater levels are decreasing, while sea levels, flood tides and salt intrusion are on the rise, adding that the demand for water in production and daily activities has increased due to industrialization, urbanization and population growth. Considering as one of the most hazard-prone countries in East Asia and Pacific region, with 70% of the population is exposed to one or more types of water-related natural hazards – ranging from draughts to floods, Vietnam has been facing many challenges in water security, and climate change moreover intensifies these existing water problems. Along legislative framework (including Laws, National Strategy, etc) on integrated water resources management has been in place in the country, it lacks innovative tools, effective guidance to implement integrated water resources management approach, as well limited human resources capacities, to address and respond these challenges, and build resilience to long-term climate changes and water-related disasters. As part of strategic priorities in the country, within the framework of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrology Programme (IHP) Phase IX (2022-2029): Science for a water secure world in a changing environment, UNESCO Vietnam has been supporting for strengthening national capacity (especially young professionals as key change makers for sustainable futures) in addressing and responding to water security challenges in the context of climate change, accelerating Vietnam’s transition to sustainable development. The Young Professionals for Water is expected to be empowered as a new generation of young researchers, planners, sectors and civil society to identify solutions and commit to cross- sectoral actions to conserve water resources and use its resources in a sustainable way. Specifically, to promote and empower young professionals in combating water challenges in context of climate change and changing environment, contributing to water security in country, UNESCO Ha Noi Office is going to organize a Young Professionals for Water Forum, tentatively during May- mid Jul 2023 in Hanoi, Vietnam. The objective of this forum is to bring together young professionals, academia and experts to discuss and exchange about challenges and innovative solutions for water security and climate resilience in Vietnam context Young Professionals for Water Forum is not only a part of the crucial process of informing, capacity building and involving young people in protecting and sustainable use of water resources in context of climate change in Vietnam, but it is also a way for the others to learn from their experience and fresh perspectives. UNESCO Office in Viet Nam is looking for a national company/institution/organization to organize a Young Professionals for Water Forum 2023 event as below scope of work. Scope of work Within the framework of the Natural Science Program of UNESCO Viet Nam, the Contractor, acting upon the supervision of the National Professional Officer, will collaborate with UNESCO to organize the Young Professionals for Water Forum as following plan Objectives: Young professionals can get updated knowledge, discuss and exchange about the water security challenges in context of climate change in Vietnam, To initiate the Young Professionals for Water platform in Vietnam. Timeline: 1 day, tentatively during period May – mid Jul 2023 (to be identified upon discussion) Venue: Hanoi Method: offline (connected online via Zoom with Business account provided by UNESCO) Target participants are Vietnamese young professionals (21 – 35 years old), of which 50 participants physically attended. The possible participants will include: young students in relevant universities nationwide young researchers studying/working in water resources and natural resources or relevant fields young officers at relevant agencies and INGOs. Etc. The involvement of female scientists, and female young professionals will be prioritized. Specific tasks: To achieve the above objectives, the contractor will perform the following tasks: Develop the agenda and detailed work plan, in closely work with UNESCO; In closely collaboration with UNESCO Vietnam, to prepare and organize the Young Professionals for Water forum: Develop an online registration form, invite targeted participants and manage the participant list; Facilitate the forum with creative, interactive and participatory approaches; Support logistic arrangement for event organization and travel of participants, guest speakers outside Hanoi if any. Coordinate to invite and work with facilitators, guest speakers for their presentation/sharing sessions, in close consultation with UNESCO; Write a summary report, including post-evaluation; Ensure gender equality, inclusion and a culture-sensitive approach. Deliverables Forum agenda and detailed work plan; Forum facilitation guide; Invitation letter, Registration form for participants and list of participants; Forum post- evaluation form; Forum materials (Presentations, guiding questions for discussion); Final narrative report; Financial report with relevant supporting documents. Requirements A legal and registered institution and/or organization; At least 5 years of working experience in water-related issues and climate change in Vietnam; Experienced in organizing similar forum/workshop/event in Vietnam, especially for youth; Requirements for creative, dynamic, and youth-oriented approaches; Experiences in collaboration with international organizations, or the United Nations in the area of youth participation is an asset; Submission Interested company/institute/organization should submit the application with the subject “IHP – Young Professionals Forum 2023” to Ms. Nguyen Thuy Linh at the following email address tl.nguyen@unesco.org and hanoi@unesco.org by 24 March 2023. The application should include: Cover letter Company/Institute/organization profile (including a copy of the legal certificate of organization establishment, and a portfolio of past similar works, including the link to the previous works) Proposal including approach/method, draft agenda, workplan, team organization for the forum; Budget estimation for the event (please refer to the budget template provided: https://bit.ly/3CiKbxN).

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the City of Windhoek (COW), Namibia Water Corporation (NAMWATER), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Eduventure Namibia, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and other developmental partners will host World Wetlands Day and World Water Day commemorations for Namibia. As in the past, Namibia will be commemorating World Wetlands Day, and World Water Day jointly between the 16th -17th March 2023 at Groot Aub and Windhoek in the Khomas Region under the national theme “Accelerating change and restoration of wetlands and water resources through partnerships”. The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolutions to designate 2 February as World Wetland Day in 1997, and 22 March as World Water Day in 1992. World Wetlands Day is observed to coincide with the signing of the Ramsar Convention of wetlands of international importance. The two days are observed annually to raise awareness of the significance of wetlands and water resources as well as to encourage people around the world particularly governments to take action in promoting the sustainable development and utilization of these valuable resources. This year’s commemoration calls for global solidarity and for each and every one of us to make commitments both at the personal and government level toward restoration and preservation of wetlands and water resources. The two days will be commemorated as follows; 1. 16 March 2023: Excursions Educational excursion for school learners from selected high and primary schools at Groot Aub, Windhoek Rural area to Avis Dam accompanied by students from Institutions of Higher Learning; and thereafter participation in quizzes and debates based on lessons learned from the excursions. 2. 17 March 2023: Official Event Various dignitaries to deliver presentations and speeches For more information contact: Ms. Ndina Nashipili  Deputy Director: Water Basin Management Cell: +264 81 160 8427 Email: ndina.nashipili@mawlr.gov.na OR  Mr. Simon Nghipandulwa Public Relations Officer: MAWLR Cell: +264 81 141 1077 Email: simon.nghipandulwa@mlr.gov.na Every action counts. Play your part. Be wetlands and water wise.