Global conference opens to address water security

Bali, Indonesia: An international conference designed to discuss water-related topics has convened amid global concerns about the exhaustion of this natural resource, which is esdsential for drinking, agriculture, and industrial development.

The Indonesian President speaks at the opening ceremony of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia.

The opening ceremony of the 10th World Water Forum took place at the Bali International Convention Centre, in the presence of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, world leaders, development partners, and water experts.
American billionaire and tech tycoon Elon Musk was also invited as a special guest at the opening ceremony, conveying the message that investment in modern technology can help address global problems, including water challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Joko called on the global community to use the forum as momentum to revitalise real action and joint commitment to water through knowledge sharing, development of innovative solutions, and integration of water resources management.
“The forum aims to strengthen commitment and formulate real actions related to inclusive and sustainable water management” the president said.
He also stressed the importance of water, adding that this natural resource is crucial for human survival and sustainable development, so its efficient management is key.
“No water, no life, no growth,” the president said in English as he conveyed his messages to international audiences attending the opening ceremony of the World Water Forum.
According to him, water is more than just a natural resource; it is a collaborative force that binds and unites the global community. Therefore, preserving water is the responsibility of the global community.
During the forum, the World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon urged the heads of state and delegations present to incorporate the right to water into their constitutions, laws, and regulations.
He also announced that his organisation would introduce the “Money for Water” coalition at the upcoming United Nations conference and extend invitations to all countries to join. The coalition aims to address sub-sovereignty and water debt cancellation for the world’s poorest countries.
At the water forum, policy makers and water experts stressed the importance of international cooperations, sound water governance, public participation in addressing water problem mainly water resource sharing.
Held under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”, the global forum, which is scheduled to run until May 25, provides a platform for policy makers, development partners, academia, and civil society to discuss best practices to address water problems.
Prior to the opening of the forum, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said one of the outcomes expected by the forum organiser, was global commitment to invest in 120 strategic projects worth around US$9 billion to address water and water related problems.
According to the media centre, as of May 17, about 13,000 people had registered to take part in the World Water Forum. There will be 1,357 speakers from both Indonesia and other countries, and 4,890 media exhibitors and sponsors attending this weeklong event in Bali.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
 (Latest Update May 21, 2024)