BALI, May 20 — The 10th World Water Forum, with the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”, officially opened in Bali today, reported Xinhua.
Several country leaders and United Nations representatives attended the opening ceremony.
Antara reported that President Joko Widodo chaired the 10th World Water Forum High-Level Meeting at the Bali International Convention Centre .
Tajik Prime Minister Qohir Rasulzoda, Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Fiji President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, and Papua New Guinea Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso attended the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by World Water Council (WWC) president Loic Fauchon, United Nations general assembly President Dennis Francis, former Hungarian president Janos Ader, French special envoy Barbara Pompili, and Dutch special envoy Meike van Ginneken.
The 10th World Water Forum focuses on water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy security, and the mitigation of natural disasters.
Joko Widodo said in his opening remarks that in 2050, 500 million small farmers, who contribute 80 per cent of the world’s food, are set to be the most vulnerable to drought.
“By gathering in Bali today, Indonesia hopes the world can join hands to strengthen the commitment to collaboration in overcoming global challenges related to water,” he said.
Fauchon in his speech said water unites people, but the planet has been damaged by people.
“We are here because, aware of this tragedy, we want to repair it and give future generations hope, desire and serenity,” he said.
— Bernama
