Indonesia is advancing hydro-diplomacy through the 10th World Water Forum held in Bali from May 18th to May 24th, 2024.
Firdaus Ali, Senior Advisor on Water Resources to the Minister of Public Works and Housing, said hydro-diplomacy is a diplomatic approach focused on water-related issues,emphasizing persuasive and solution-oriented dialogue. This includes addressing issues such as water resource management, equitable water distribution, and water-related disaster mitigation.
Firdaus also mentioned other issues addressed through hydro-diplomacy, such as crossborder cooperation and mutually beneficial financing related to water.
“Through hydro-diplomacy, Indonesia seeks to facilitate dialogue among countries or governments by sharing knowledge, technology, and experiences related to water resource management, as well as promoting synergistic cooperation in resolving water-related conflicts in various regions,” he said on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Several collaborations that Indonesia aims to achieve through hydro-diplomacy and the 10th World Water Forum include encouraging countries to share and adopt best practices in water resource management and water-related disaster mitigation, as well as engaging in capacity building in sustainable and inclusive water resource management.
Indonesia also aims to promote investment and new technologies in efficient and
sustainable water management, as well as strengthen regional and global cooperation in resolving water-related conflicts and achieving water-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Indonesia is committed to actively supporting global water solutions, and through its participation in the World Water Forum, Indonesia hopes to strengthen collaboration among nations and advance the global water agenda for shared prosperity,” Firdaus said.
The World Water Forum is a global water forum held every three years. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, Indonesia only had two years for the preparation of the 10th World Water Forum. The forum will focus on four themes: water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy security, as well as mitigation of natural disasters.
There are 244 sessions in this forum expected to produce concrete contributions, including mainstreaming Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) on small islands, establishing the Center of Excellence for Water and Climate Resilience (COE), and designating World Lake Days.
The Indonesian government has invited 43 ambassadors and four international
organizations to participate in the 10th World Water Forum and ensure the success of the event.
