Beginning of the 10th World Water Forum: President Urges Everyone to Fight for Water

The 10th World Water Forum was officially inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC) on May 20, 2024. President Widodo highlighted the significance of the Balinese Subak irrigation system, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, in his address.

During the opening ceremony, Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, called for global emulation of Indonesia’s initiatives and stressed the crucial need for water preservation and conservation.

President Widodo chaired the High-Level Meeting following the opening ceremony, where he urged all nations to capitalize on the event to demonstrate concrete action and a unified commitment to tackling water challenges by sharing expertise, advocating for innovative solutions, and implementing comprehensive water resource management strategies.

Subsequently, the political sessions commenced with the Parliamentary Meeting, officially launched by Indonesian House of Representatives Chairperson Puan Maharani. The parliament committed its support to advancing water security through diplomatic channels.

Simultaneously, the Bali Youth Plan hosted various side events such as the World Youth Parliament for Water Sessions, World Water Council Youth Delegates Session, and Youth Awarding.

The Fair and Expo of the Forum kicked off with 160 participants from 17 countries, while the Bali Street Carnival added vibrancy to the day through captivating parades.

The day wrapped up with a ‘Leaders Visit’ to Ngurah Rai Forest Park (Tahura), with President Widodo underscoring the collective duty to preserve and safeguard the mangrove ecosystem.

Representatives from 10 Heads of State, including Indonesia, Timor Leste, Fiji, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Hungary, and Morocco, along with Deputy Prime Ministers from Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Slovakia, and special envoys from the Netherlands, France, and the United Arab Emirates, are participating in the event. Additionally, 105 ministers from 132 countries and organizations, as well as 13,000 participants, are in attendance at the forum.