By: Ni Made Wahyu Astuti )*
The implementation of the World Water Forum which was held on 18-25 May 204 in Nusa Dua Bali has been opened. In this prestigious event which was attended by heads of state and foreign delegations, Indonesia is believed to be able to push for various concrete agreements on global water management.
The 10th WWF has been opened and Indonesia really hopes that foreign delegates will be able to enjoy the uniqueness of Balinese culture. The 10th WWF series was also enlivened by a Gala Dinner in the GWK Cultural Park area. In this activity, the 10th WWF delegates enjoyed various typical Indonesian dishes which were generally served in a stall concept. Not only that, participants can also buy typical Indonesian souvenirs to take home.
As is known, Indonesia has been chosen again as host for the 10th World Water Forum, or a global meeting in order to maintain and improve water management throughout the world. The 10th WWF takes the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity” or simply it can be interpreted as an effort to “Manage Water for Sustainable Life”. Therefore, this forum is a golden opportunity for countries around the world to unite in efforts to create agreements and joint declarations that aim to improve access and management of water that is fair and equitable for everyone.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tri Tharyat, emphasized that Indonesia wants to be known not only as a organizer, but also as capable of producing a good legacy. , especially in four areas.
Some of these ideas are first, the establishment of World Lakes Day. The second idea is the establishment of an integrated water management concept on small islands. Third, the establishment of a center of excellence related to water and climate security the birth of a compedium of concrete projects which is currently being curated by Indonesia.
Furthermore, Indonesia through the 10th World Water Forum has an agenda to encourage efforts for fair and equitable water management. This reflects awareness of the inequality in access to clean water which is still a serious problem in many countries around the world. In this context, it is hoped that the 2024 World Water Forum can become a forum for countries to share experiences with each other in efforts to achieve the goal of fair and equitable water management.
Indonesia, as the host, has submitted a draft declaration to the ministers present at the forum. The draft declaration covers various important aspects of water management, including efforts to address climate change, improve water infrastructure and improve water quality. It is hoped that this draft declaration can become a basis for participating countries to unite in responding to global challenges related to water management.
However, although the goal of reaching an agreement and joint declaration at the 2024 World Water Forum is very noble, it cannot be denied that achieving it will face a number of complex challenges. One of the main challenges is the differences in approaches and interests between participating countries, which may make the negotiation process difficult. In addition, implementing agreements and declarations will also be a challenge in itself, given the differences in capabilities and resources between participating countries.
To overcome these challenges, a strong commitment is needed from all parties involved, including participating countries, international organizations, as well as the private sector and civil society. In addition, it is also important to establish effective monitoring and accountability mechanisms to ensure the implementation of these agreements and declarations.
Apart from that, the 2024 World Water Forum must also encourage active participation from all stakeholders, including local communities and vulnerable community groups. Their participation in the decision-making process will ensure that the policies produced truly reflect their needs and aspirations.
In this context, it is important to take lessons from previous international forums, as well as pay attention to the results of regional level conferences that have been held previously. By utilizing existing experience and knowledge, the Indonesian delegation is expected to be able to encourage the birth of various agreements and declarations at the 2024 World Water Forum.
Apart from that, the 2024 World Water Forum must also encourage cross-sector and cross-border collaboration in an effort to answer water management challenges. This challenge cannot be solved by one country or one sector alone, but requires close cooperation between government, the private sector, civil society and international organizations.
By taking advantage of the momentum of the 2024 World Water Forum, Indonesia is optimistic that it has the opportunity to build strong joint agreements and declarations in an effort to improve water management that is fair and equitable for everyone. Through strong commitment and cooperation from all parties involved, Indonesia is believed to be able to realize the shared vision of creating a world where everyone has fair and equitable access to clean water, a world where water is considered a fundamental human right and must be filled with everyone.
)* The author is an environmental activist living in Bali