Indonesia Proposes “Centre of Excellence” to Combat Water Challenges at 10th World Water Forum
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: In an effort to address the escalating water issues exacerbated by climate change, Indonesia plans to propose the establishment of a “centre of excellence” (COE) during the upcoming 10th World Water Forum. The announcement was made by the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry.
Endra S. Atmawijdaja, spokesperson for the PUPR Ministry, emphasized the significance of the COE in tackling global climate challenges. “The centre of excellence is an answer to the climate changes we are currently facing globally,” Atmawijdaja stated in Jakarta on Tuesday, when contacted by ANTARA.
To bolster the development of the COE, Indonesia aims to strengthen South-South cooperation. Atmawijdaja underscored that the COE would serve as a platform for countries in the Global South to exchange knowledge and strategies, particularly regarding issues such as floods and river disturbances triggered by volcanic eruptions.
Highlighting the Sabo Training Center in Slemad District, Yogyakarta Special Region Province, Atmawijdaja indicated its potential inclusion in the COE. By enhancing the Sabo Training Center, Yogyakarta could emerge as a hub for Southern nations to learn effective water resource management techniques and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.
“We hope that the centre of excellence will become a reality not long after the holding of the World Water Forum (WWF). Hopefully, the centre will exist within a year after the WWF,” Atmawijdaja expressed.
The 2024 World Water Forum, scheduled for May 18-25 in Bali, will concentrate on four key themes: water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy resilience, and mitigation of natural disasters. The Indonesian Government has extended invitations to 43 ambassadors and four international organizations for the 10th edition of the triennial forum, expected to draw around 50,000 delegates from across the globe.
Under the overarching theme “Water for Shared Prosperity,” delegates will participate in 244 sessions during the forum, aiming to garner concrete support for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience. Moreover, the sessions are anticipated to culminate in the mainstreaming of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach on small islands and the designation of World Lake Day.
