Indonesia to Champion Hydro-Diplomacy at 10th World Water Forum in Bali
Bali, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia is poised to deploy hydro-diplomacy as a pivotal tool for international cooperation at the upcoming 10th World Water Forum (WWF), slated to convene from May 18-24 this year in Bali Province. This strategic initiative, as articulated by an official at the Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Ministry, underscores Indonesia’s commitment to fostering collaborative solutions for water resource management on a global scale.
Firdaus Ali, PUPR Minister’s Special Staff for Water Resources, emphasized the significance of hydro-diplomacy in facilitating the exchange of knowledge, technology, and experiences among nations regarding water resource management. Hydro-diplomacy, he explained, offers a diplomatic framework focused on water-related issues, fostering fruitful dialogues and addressing multifaceted challenges associated with water resources.
Ali further elaborated that hydro-diplomacy encompasses discussions on international cooperation and mutually beneficial financing schemes, emphasizing Indonesia’s intention to establish concrete cooperation frameworks to address water-related conflicts and promote best practices in water management and hydrological disaster mitigation.
As the host of the triennial forum, Indonesia is committed to endorsing sustainable and inclusive water resource management, enhancing water management efficiency, resolving water conflicts, and achieving water-related targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Indonesia is strongly committed to taking an active role in supporting the formulation of global-level solutions to water issues. Through its participation at the WWF, Indonesia expects to be able to intensify international collaboration and promote global water agendas for shared prosperity,” stated Ali.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia has undertaken extensive preparations for hosting the 10th edition of the international forum under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity.” The forum will delve into four key topics: water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy resilience, and mitigation of natural disasters.
Invitations have been extended to 43 ambassadors and four international organizations, with an expected participation of around 50 thousand delegates from various countries. The forum will feature 244 sessions aimed at fostering concrete support for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Water and Climate Resilience, mainstreaming the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach on small islands, and designating World Lake Day.
As Indonesia prepares to welcome global delegates, the 10th World Water Forum in Bali promises to serve as a platform for catalyzing international collaboration and driving forward innovative solutions for sustainable water management on a global scale.
