Delegates from a multitude of countries convened at the 2nd Stakeholders Consultation Meeting (SCM) in Bali on Thursday, October 12th. They actively exchanged ideas and devised initiatives to address global water issues in preparation for the upcoming 10th World Water Forum.
In his opening speech, Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, emphasized the pivotal role of the 2nd SCM within the "Water Deal." This initiative calls for sustained water diplomacy to convince world leader and politicians that "Water is a political issue" and that "now is the time for acceleration."
The "Water Deal" conveys a message about a new relationship with water, one that specifically calls for a return to the slogan "Stop ignoring water." Therefore, addressing the global water crisis should be a top priority for every nation.
Loïc Fauchon several priorities for tackling this water crisis, including striking a new balance between water for human use and natural ecosystems. This balance encompasses access to water in urban and rural areas, water for agriculture and irrigation to ensure food production, and integrated water resource management for sustainable development.
Global Water Justice
In line with these goals, Basuki Hadimuljono, Vice Chairman of the National Organizing Committee for the 10th World Water Forum and Indonesia's Minister of Public Works and Housing, stated that the 2nd SCM plays a critical role in laying the foundation for the upcoming 10th World Water Forum.
The outcomes of discussions among stakeholders in the 2nd SCM will be further elaborated through thematic, regional, and political processes with intricate interconnections that need to be discussed among the stakeholders.
"On this occasion, we will discuss 'Water Justice' on a global scale, including water management on small islands and access to clean water for all. Subsequently, we will map the interrelations between sub-themes, regions, and the three processes, plan further actions, design the final outcomes for the forum, and outline follow-up steps,' Minister Basuki remarked.
Advancing Innovative Technology
Meanwhile, Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, Governor's Representative of Bali, expressed his hope that the 2nd SCM would serve not only as a platform for knowledge exchange but also for enhancing innovative technologies, particularly in irrigation systems to ensure global water and food security.
Mahendra Jaya also encouraged all forum participants to take the time to explore tourist destinations ad witness the traditional way of life in Bali and the beauty of the Subak landscape.
Bali Possesses a unique water resource management system for agricultural irrigation called Subak. During the 10th World Water Forum, participants will have the opportunity to observe and learn directly from this traditional water management system.
Participation of 1,904 Attendees
Mohammad Zainal Fatah, Chairman of the National Organizing Committee's Secretariat and Secretary-General of the ministry of Public Works and Housing, revealed that the 2nd SCM was attended by 1,094 registered participants, including 254 from international partners and 840 from domestic partners.
"Registered participants from 73 countries will work according to sub-themes: Water Resilience and Prosperity, Water for People and Nature, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Water Governance, Cooperation and Water Diplomacy, Sustainable Water Financing, and lastly, Knowledge and Innovation," he added.
"The involvement of international leaders and stakeholders in this event presents a good opportunity to build collaborations in addressing water-related issues and promote tourism for the Indonesian government.
The first day of the 2nd SCM was attended by Dwikorita Karnawati, Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), Usman Kansong, Director-General of Informatics and Applications of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (KOMINFO), representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, as well as several international organizations.