Ha Noi, 23 June 2026 – In the context of climate change increasing the uncertainty, extremity, and unpredictability of hydro-meteorological phenomena, enhancing capacity for forecasting, early warning, and proactive disaster prevention has become increasingly urgent. To provide the latest insights on hydro-meteorological trends for 2026 and to assist ministries, sectors, local authorities, and communities in developing plans for disaster prevention and risk mitigation, the Viet Nam Meteorological and Hydrological Administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Viet Nam, organized the National Conference on the "2026 Hydro-Meteorological Outlook" today. The event is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Viet Nam Climate Smart Coastal Communities Project.

The conference was attended by H.E. Le Cong Thanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, and Ms. Emilie Carrier, Senior Counselor (Trade) of the Canadian Embassy in Viet Nam, who delivered opening and welcoming remarks. The event brought together more than 80 representatives from central agencies, local governments, development partners, international organizations, academia, and press and media agencies.

The World Meteorological Organization’s latest reports indicate that the global climate system continues to show signs of abnormality. With global average temperatures continuing at record-breaking levels for years, the world is witnessing major disruptions to rainfall patterns and water cycles, alongside more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Vietnam remains among the nations that are most vulnerable to these climate shifts, facing increasing threats from heatwaves, drought, water shortages, salinity intrusion, extreme heavy rainfalls, floods, and landslides.

Latest forecasts suggest that El Niño will play a major role in weather patterns throughout late 2026 and early 2027. Both international and Vietnamese climate models warn that this could be a severe event, comparable to the record-breaking 2015–2016 El Niño. Such an event poses an increased threat of extreme heat, drought, water shortages, and salinity intrusion—especially for Central Vietnam and the Mekong Delta. These climatic shifts threaten to disrupt critical sectors, including agriculture, water and energy security, and the overall well-being of the population.

This conference aims to provide critical updates on hydro-meteorological and climate trends for 2026, while evaluating the emerging risks associated with El Niño and climate change. It will also focus on advancing strategies to improve early warning systems, disaster risk management, and community resilience. The event acts as a vital platform for government officials and international experts to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and strengthen regional cooperation in disaster prevention and climate adaptation.

A key focus of this conference is to drive the shift from conventional forecasting toward impact-based forecasting and alerts, enabling more informed decision-making and better-coordinated responses at all levels of government. Furthermore, the event underscores the necessity of fostering data sharing, enhancing information integration, and strengthening inter-agency cooperation to build robust multi-hazard early warning systems, ultimately bolstering resilience against future climate risks.

The conference featured a collaborative exchange of experiences and best practices among experts from UNDP, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and local counterparts. Key topics included climate forecasting, multi-hazard early warning systems, forecast-based disaster management, and strategies for bolstering community resilience to climate change.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the UN-led 'Early Warnings for All' (EW4All) initiative, which seeks to ensure universal access to life-saving, multi-hazard early warning systems by the end of 2027. This initiative is pivotal in connecting advanced meteorological insights with on-the-ground response efforts, providing direct support to Vietnam’s hydro-meteorological sector as it prepares for the challenges posed by the impending El Niño.

Delivering a keynote address at the conference, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Le Cong Thanh emphasized: “As climate change increases the extremity and uncertainty of weather patterns, and with El Niño projected to impact Vietnam significantly in the latter half of 2026 and early 2027, enhancing our capacity for forecasting and early warning—and effectively translating scientific data into management decisions and timely responses—has become an urgent requirement. We must accelerate the application of science and technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence, while strengthening data sharing to improve the quality of our forecasts and warnings. This is essential to mitigating disaster-related losses, ensuring water and food security, stabilizing the lives of our citizens, and fostering sustainable socio-economic development”.

The Deputy Minister further urged experts to focus on a comprehensive assessment of El Niño’s impacts, identify emerging risks early, and propose tailored response solutions for each sector and locality. The outcomes of this conference will serve as a vital foundation for ministries, agencies, and local authorities to proactively develop response scenarios, thereby ensuring water security, food security, and stable socio-economic development.

Canada’s Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Jim Nickel stated: “Today’s conference underscores the deepening cooperation between Canada and Viet Nam in strengthening climate resilience. Through the Viet Nam Climate Smart Coastal Communities Project, Canada is proud to support efforts that enhance early warning systems, improve data driven forecasting, and help vulnerable communities better prepare for climate related disasters.”

“By bringing Canadian experts together with Vietnamese counterparts, we are advancing practical, science-based solutions that protect lives and livelihoods. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building a safer, more resilient future in which strong climate preparedness underpins sustainable development,” added Ambassador Nickel.

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Viet Nam, emphasized: “Climate extremes are the new normal, and our systems must adapt accordingly. Data alone does not save lives. The most advanced forecasting model is only as powerful as its last mile. Through our work with smallholder farmers in the Central Highlands and coastal communities, we have learned that the critical gap is communication — turning complex meteorological data into simple, localized, gender-responsive messages that people can understand and act on in real time.”

Media contact: 
Mr. Nguyen Minh Cuong
VNMHA/MAE
Email: nmcuong@mae.gov.vn

Ms. Phan Huong Giang
CCEE Media & Communications Analyst 
UNDP Viet Nam
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org