Jakarta, (February 16, 2923) - Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan called for all parties to jointly identify everything we have to offer in solving global water problems.

"I am calling for all of us to sit together, identify the challenges and the strength, explore options and find the best approach for each theme, technology innovation, globally joint cooperation and sharing of information, and secure political commitment to address global water problems, in particular ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation," appeals Luhut at the closing of the 10th World Water Kick-Off Meeting.

Luhut, who is also the Chairman of the World Water Forum National Organizing Committee, said that global water demand has increased by 1% annually in the last decade. Along with the increase in population, economic development, changes in consumption patterns, and climate change, and will continue to grow significantly in the future.

Through the Kick-Off Meeting which took place on February 15-16, Luhut explained the three processes of identification of important issues to be discussed at the 10th World Water Forum in 2024. Thematic, regional, and political processes have been underway since the Kick-Off Meeting was held to discuss and find realistic solutions, innovations and implementation plans in the near future.

"This Forum might be considered one of the most important milestones toward 2030 and beyond, aiming to realize water security for all, under the theme of "Water for Shared Prosperity" and significantly contribute to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals," said Luhut.

The second day of the 10th World Water Forum Kick-Off Meeting covered a discussion agenda to raise important issues to be elaborated further. There are three ongoing processes: thematic, regional, and political processes.

In the thematic process, the discussion was divided into six sub-theme: Water for Humans and Nature; Water Security and Prosperity; Disaster Risk Reduction and Management; Cooperation and Hydro Diplomacy; Water and Innovative Finance; and Knowledge and Innovation.

Meanwhile, the regional process was divided into two groups, namely the Asia Pacific and Mediterranean regions. They discussed regional-scale water issues related to, among other, climate, weather, sea, and cross-border rivers. To overcome regional problems, collaboration and commitment are needed to reduce water priority and create a network of cooperation.

The political process for heads of state, regional government, ministers, parliamentarians and decision makers has also started. This process aims to encourage political commitment to supporting solution, creating international forums for concreate action, and building international cooperation agreements.

In closing the Kick-Off Meeting, the President of the World Water Council, Loic Fauchon, expressed his appreciation to Indonesia as the host who have become more ready to lead various processes in overcoming the world's water challenges.

"Indonesia is a big country. The international community has much to learn from Indonesia's experience and expertise in responding to water management challenges. And Indonesia will be the capital of international waters for the nest fifteen months until May 2024," said Loic.

In addition, Loic also invited all parties involved to continue to support the continuation of the 10th World Water Forum until next year.

"We are now together, side by side, as partners to show the world that in this Kick-Off Meeting, we have taken steps to stop ignoring water!" explained Loic Fouchon.

Bali was officially appointed as the host of the 10th World Water Forum at the 9th Forum in Dakar, Senegal, on March 19, 2022, with the acquisition of 30 of the total 36 votes of the World Water Council Board of Governors. As the host of the 10th World Water Forum, Indonesia raised the theme "Water for Shared Prosperity", by looking at the current global conditions. The world is facing challenges in the availability of clean water in many countries. Indonesia is committed to strengthening the collaboration of various stakeholders in achieving SDG 6 targets, primarily related to the right to clean water and sanitation.

Jakarta, February 16, 2023

National Organizing Committee of the 10th World Water Forum

Email: secretariat@worldwaterforum.org

IG: @worldwaterforum10