Minister of Public Works and Public Housing of Indonesia (PUPR), Basuki Hadimuljono, proposed that the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference serve as the foundation for the 10th World Water Forum 2024.
"The spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung will become the basis for the 10th World Water Forum in Bali in 2024, not only as a philosophical foundation but also as the fundamental concept of the forum," said Minister Basuki during his attendance at the 21st High-level Experts and Leaders Panel (HELP) on Water and Disasters in Spain on Monday (26/6/2023).
According to Minister Basuki, the spirit of consensus among the leaders of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung 1955 can be drawn upon to promote water issues as the main policy of each country. Minister Basuki emphasized that water is a matter of politics.
A special aspect of the 21st HELP meeting is the involvement of the Club de Madrid, led by Danilo Türk, who previously served as the President of Slovenia.
Therefore, Minister Basuki invited HELP members and the Club de Madrid to support Indonesia by hosting the 10th World Water Forum 2024 in Bali in the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference.
Relevance in addressing issues
In spite of its 68 years of existence, Minister Basuki believes that the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung remains even more relevant in addressing various common issues that require global consensus as their solutions.
Minister Basuki also recounts that this historic event successfully produced agreements promoting peace and shared prosperity amidst the political tensions prevailing during that period.
Therefore, the Indonesian government believes that the spirit of the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung is still highly appropriate for embracing diverse political interests.
In the same context, Minister Basuki also extended an invitation to the Club de Madrid, composed of former world leaders, to attend the upcoming 10th World Water Forum 2024 in Bali.
World Lake Day
During the meeting, Minister Basuki further proposed the establishment of World Lake Day to promote the importance of conservation and sustainable utilization of lakes at the 10th World Water Forum 2024.
Minister Basuki views lakes as closely related to water issues and disasters, thus emphasizing the significant need for collaboration with HELP. Moreover, this collective action is expected to be mutually all parties involved.
"I also propose this collaborative action as a flagship initiative of HELP led by Indonesia. I warmly welcome the participation of HELP members and advisors in this initiative," stated Minister Basuki.
Accompanying Minister Basuki are Raditya Jati, Deputy for Systems and Strategies at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB); Endra S. Atmawidjaja, Expert Staff to the Minister of Technology, Industry, and Environment; Arie Setiadi Moerwanto, Chief Engineer at the Ministry of PUPR; and Widiarto, Chief Instructor.