Bali, May 24, 2024, The Europe Today: The 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, successfully outlined key priorities for addressing water issues across the Asia-Pacific, Mediterranean, American, and African regions. During the forum, regional coordinators convened to discuss strategies for water crisis management at both local and regional levels.
“The collaboration is not merely a strong foundation for a sustainable future in water management, but it also plays a crucial role in the success of water management in each region,” stated Loic Fauchon, President of the World Water Council (WWC), on Thursday.
In this session, each regional coordinator presented the outcomes of a year-long discussion, offering practical solutions to tackle regional water challenges. The forum highlighted the need for a shared understanding of water priorities, which often differ significantly between regions.
Notable speakers included Alain Meyssonnier, President of the Mediterranean Water Institute (IME); Benedito Braga, CEO of Sabesp; Rashid Mbaziira, Executive Secretary of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW); Changhua Wu, Chair of the Governing Council of the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF); and Eelco Van Beek from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Fauchon emphasized the importance of using regional process sessions to collaborate and find the best solutions for water issues, both within and between regions.
The forum concluded with several significant Ministerial Declaration points, ratified by representatives from 106 countries and 27 international organizations:
Establishment of a Center of Excellence for Water and Climate Security: This center aims to develop capacity and utilize advanced facilities to address water and climate-related challenges.
Ministerial Declaration on Integrated Water Resources Management: This declaration focuses on raising awareness and encouraging the management of water resources, particularly on small islands. Despite Indonesia’s vast water surroundings, it still faces challenges in ensuring the quality and availability of clean water.
Proposal for World Lakes Day: This initiative seeks to designate a day to celebrate and preserve lakes worldwide. Recognizing the vital role lakes play in water supply, social, and economic functions, the commemoration aims to underscore their importance and promote their preservation.
The forum’s outcomes underscore a collaborative approach to water management, aiming to secure a sustainable future for all regions involved.
