Jakarta - Climate change is a very serious threat and its consequences impact many different aspects of our lives. The 10th World Water Forum in Bali on 18-25 May 2024 is an important momentum for all countries in mitigating the impacts of climate change and addressing the global water challenges.
This message was conveyed by the Head of Division I Programs and Sessions of the 10th World Water Forum and Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati in virtual press conference held by Forum Merdeka Barat 9 or FMB9 in Jakarta, Monday (1/4/2024).
Dwikorita mentioned that according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average temperature in 2023 has increased by 1.45 degrees Celsius compared to the 1850-1900 industrial era. Moreover, July and August 2023 were the two hottest months ever recorded on Earth.
“We cannot ignore this condition knowing that the whole world will experience its impact. The 10th World Water Forum serves as a platform for dialogues to overcome the gaps in water access, which are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change," said Dwikorita.
“Climate change means that water, something that should create prosperity, can actually trigger disasters such as drought and flood. To prevent water from becoming detrimental, we must discuss it together in this forum with the aim of achieving equitable access to water," she continued.
Dwikorita further revealed the four concrete steps suggested in the 10th World Water Forum agenda. First, the establishment of a centralized network in the Asia Pacific region specifically aimed at issues of water security, climate change and environmental research. Second, relationships building with institutions, academics, research organizations and other international institutions. Third, the establishment of a consortium that focuses on data centers. Finally, multi-stakeholder efforts coordination and implementation to create a declaration or initiative related to global water problems.
"It is hoped that there will be further options for the ministers' declaration to achieve the goal of water for shared prosperity. Moreover, through the 10th World Water Forum, we also hope that the International Lakes Day can be ratified by the United Nations (UN), and efforts will be initiated to form an Integrated Water Management for Small Islands," said Dwikorita.
"Indonesia will not only be an event organizer for the 10th World Water Forum, but also be able to generate an initiative that can truly contribute to the world's interests," she concluded.
For information, Indonesia is going to be third country in Asia, after Japan and South Korea, to be chosen as the host country for the World Water Forum. This 10th World Water Forum will present three main processes, namely thematic, regional and political, as well as six sub-themes which are in line with the results of discussions at the World Water Conference in New York in 2023. For eight days, stakeholders consisting of state leaders, ministers, organizations, water and the environment will gather in Bali to formulate solutions to world water challenges in order to achieve the goal of water for shared prosperity.