PRESS RELEASE

10TH WORLD WATER FORUM COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA TEAM 

NO. 145/SP/TKM-WORLDWATERFORUM2024/05/2024 

on

10th World Water Forum Officially Concluded, World Appreciates Indonesia

The 10th World Water Forum concluded on a positive note on Friday, May 24, as Indonesian Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono delivered closing remarks at the Bali International Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua, Bali.

According to his report, Indonesia accomplished all the proposed agendas and surpassed the initial target of 46,000 participants by reaching an impressive 64,000 attendees.

Basuki, also the 10th World Water Forum executive chair, reminded areas that need further development besides progress has been made. Putting the commitments into specific actions with a strong ownership sense is important.

For the first time in the history of the World Water Forum, a Ministerial Declaration includes a Concrete Deliverables and Actions Compendium, encompassing 113 water and sanitation projects worth US$9.4 billion. These projects involve 33 countries and 53 international organizations as supporters, donors, and water and sanitation beneficiaries. 

“The Compendium, launched at the ministerial-level meeting, must be realized to benefit society,” said the Minister.

Basuki also underlined the collaboration among stakeholders. Addressing water and sanitation challenges also necessitates a comprehensive and cross-sectoral approach.

Basuki also invited each country to contribute according to their respective abilities. “In the global water agenda, every country must be part of the solution through collaboration and complementarity, not through competition,” Basuki highlighted.

The 10th World Water Forum resulted in a Ministerial Declaration that offers clear direction in the face of global challenges. The Declaration also includes Indonesia's proposal for World Lakes Day; a center of excellence for water and climate resilience establishment; integrated water resource management on small islands; and other initiatives that complement the UN Water Action Agenda.

The forum held for a week in Bali was truly remarkable as it united all stakeholders related to the water agenda, including the governments, members of parliament, international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and youths.

It is important to highlight that Indonesia actively supports youth involvement in research, innovation, and the water sector. It is demonstrated through the presentation of the “Bali Youth Water Prize” at the upcoming World Water Forum, showcasing the country's commitment to engaging and empowering young people in these crucial areas.

“I am sure the award will motivate the younger generation to become catalysts for change,” Basuki affirmed.

On this occasion, he congratulated Iffah Rachmi, the Youth Sanitation Concern coordinator, for being awarded the 2024 Kyoto World Water Grand Prize.

During the closing ceremony, the World Water Council (WWC) Vice President Eric Tardieu urged all participants not to give up on efforts to build more efficient, peaceful, and sustainable water management cooperation.

Tardieu also highlighted the values deeply rooted in Indonesian society, such as cooperation and the concept of “Sedikit demi sedikit, lama-lama menjadi bukit” meaning many a little makes a mickle. This statement was met with enthusiastic applause from all the participants present.

“Let us return home with patience and embrace Balinese wisdom about water and a positive agenda,” Tardieu said.

World Water Forum President Loïc Fauchon also expressed his gratitude to the Indonesian Government and all Indonesian people for their hospitality and support in successfully hosting the 10th World Water Forum.

The Forum was inaugurated with the Melukat ritual and concluded with the Melasti ceremony, both traditional water purification methods in Bali. The 64,000 attendees from 160 countries actively participated in 278 discussion sessions and visited 254 exhibition booths.

The World Water Forum in Bali was attended by five heads of state, namely President Joko Widodo of Indonesia, President Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere of Fiji, President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch of Morocco, and Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda of Tajikistan.

Former Hungarian President Janos Ader graced the event as a special envoy. A total of 51 ministers, 57 high-ranking officials, and 27 international organizations, represented by 135 ministerial-level officials, gathered for this significant occasion.

Furthermore, the event welcomed 200 members of parliament from 49 countries, 150 representatives of local and regional officials from 23 countries, and 847 representatives from sub-regions, making it a truly global and impactful gathering.

The 10th World Water Forum is a series of events that commenced two years ago, starting with the National Stakeholder Forum Event and culminating in the peak event of the 10^th World Water Forum held in Bali from 18—25 May. The total number of participants reached 50,488.

A total of 19,686 participants from 160 countries attended the event in Bali. The Expo and Fair, held from 20—24 May, attracted 23,718 visitors, including participants. The combined attendance of participants and visitors over the five days was approximately 64,000 people. The 11th World Water Forum will take place in Saudi Arabia in 2027. (Natalia Santi/Firda Puri/TR/Elvira Inda Sari/TS/Flow)

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For further information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communication, Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

PCO 10th World Water Forum - Dede Ariwibowo (08111830020).

Get more information at https://infopublik.id/detik/world-water-forum and   https://s.id/worldwaterforumpedia.