[Green Monday Series] What does SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation mean at UEH?

Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and a healthy environment is one of the most fundamental human needs for health and well-being. However, global water scarcity is becoming increasingly severe. In pursuit of SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) has continuously invested in and developed solutions for effective water management and utilization. In this week’s Green Monday Series, let us explore UEH’s efforts in protecting water resources and building a sustainable future for the community.

Access to safe drinking water and sanitation is not only an essential necessity but also a fundamental human right. Nevertheless, countries around the world continue to face increasingly serious challenges related to water scarcity, pollution, and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. According to the United Nations, as of 2024, approximately 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, 3.4 billion people do not have adequate sanitation services, and 1.7 billion people are without basic hygiene facilities at home.

Although positive progress has been made, with the proportion of the global population having access to safely managed drinking water increasing from 68% to 74% between 2015 and 2024, current trends indicate that the world will not achieve sustainable water resource management until 2049. The main drivers of water scarcity and pollution include rapid urbanization, rising demand from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors, as well as ineffective water resource management. In addition, climate change is making water availability more unpredictable than ever. Prolonged droughts in many regions not only exacerbate water shortages but also directly affect public health, livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity. Without effective infrastructure and governance mechanisms, millions of people will continue to face water-related diseases such as malaria and diarrhea, while the resilience of natural ecosystems will further decline.

In 2024, UEH consumed a total of 213,907 m³ of incoming water supply, which was carefully managed to ensure compliance with environmental standards for all wastewater discharge activities. At the same time, UEH operated a centralized wastewater treatment system with a capacity of up to 550 m³ per day, utilizing AO (Anoxic-Oxic) technology that combines anaerobic and aerobic biological treatment processes. The system strictly complies with QCVN 14:2008/BTNMT standards before treated wastewater is discharged into the environment. UEH has also established water pollution incident response procedures and regularly conducted environmental safety training programs to strengthen risk management capabilities among operational staff and laboratory personnel.

To promote water conservation and reuse across its campuses, UEH has issued the “Water-Efficient Construction Standards” under its Green University Regulations. These standards include solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems, drought-tolerant landscaping, sensor-based irrigation systems, dual-flush toilets, and water-saving aerator faucets. In addition, treated domestic wastewater is reused for irrigation of green spaces and supports flushing systems in selected buildings, thereby reducing pressure on freshwater resources. Free drinking water stations are also installed throughout academic floors, meeting rooms, offices, and self-study areas to provide clean drinking water for the university community. At the same time, UEH encourages the use of reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote sustainable lifestyles.

UEH has also prioritized expanding its positive impact on the wider community through projects and initiatives dedicated to water conservation. Notable examples include the project “Integrating Gender into Water Conservation and Disaster Risk Reduction in the Context of Climate Change in Lao Dung Commune, Soc Trang Province”; the “Community Training Program on Water and Resource Management” organized by the Sustainable Finance Institute (SFI-UEH); and participation in the BlueRforD network. In particular, UEH students’ volunteer campaign “La Ma Mai Xanh” has implemented canal and river clean-up activities and installed floating barriers in Ho Chi Minh City to reduce waste entering natural water bodies. Furthermore, a pilot project to establish a clean water access point in Cai Nhum Commune, Mang Thit District, former Vinh Long Province, has helped local residents gain access to safe and clean water. These efforts demonstrate UEH’s commitment to protecting water resources and promoting sustainable development for the community.

Infographic of UEH's contributions to SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean water is not only essential for human health but also plays a critical role in poverty reduction, food security, peacebuilding, and sustainable environmental and social development. As challenges related to water resources and climate change continue to intensify, managing and using water efficiently requires collective action from all sectors of society. Through practical solutions and concrete actions, UEH is steadily fostering a culture of responsibility, innovation, and collaboration in support of SDG 6, contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come.

This article was prepared with reference to:

1. UEH Sustainability Report 2024: https://books.ueh.edu.vn/sustainability-report-ueh/ 

2. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/water-and-sanitation/  

Additional Information:

UEH Green Campus - Green Monday Series is a communication activity series under the UEH Green Campus Project, posted every Monday to start the week with positive energy and encourage a green lifestyle by providing knowledge, updating news, sharing inspiring stories about environmental protection and sustainable development.

News and photos: UEH Green Campus Project