On May 20th, the 10th World Water Forum with the theme of Water for shared prosperity was kicked off in Bali, Indonesia. Mr. Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources, led a Chinese delegation to attend the opening ceremony and delivered a speech at the high-level meeting.
Li Guoying pointed out that China, like most countries in the world, has been faced with four major water-related challenges, including water disasters, water resources, water ecology and water environment. To tackle there challenges, new thinking and new practices on water governance are urgently needed. In 2014, Chinese President XI Jinping put forward the principles of “prioritizing water conservation, balancing spatial distribution, taking systematic approaches and promoting government-market synergy” for water governance. Under his guidance, China has witnessed a fundamental transformation and made historic achievements in water governance. First, prioritize water conservation. China implements a series of water saving policies and administrative measures. In the past 10 years, China’s economic output has nearly doubled, but the total water consumption almost did not increase. Second, balance spatial distribution. China is developing a comprehensive national water network that is safe and reliable, refined and efficient, green and smart, ensuring smooth circulation and orderly regulation. As a result, the supply and guarantee capacity of water resources in China has been effectively improved. Third, take systematic approaches. China strengthens basin-scale management and takes holistic management approaches to all ecosystem factors, including mountains, waters, forests, farmland, grasslands and deserts. By balancing high quality development needs and security demands, China has not only restored the life of rivers , but also ensured the safety of people’s lives and property and minimized flood and drought disaster losses. Fourth, promote government-market synergy. China enables an efficient market while ensuring the government fulfills its functions, and realizes systematic improvement in water governance and management capabilities.
Li Guoying emphasized that as for now and in the near future addressing water security issues and promoting water for shared prosperity are major tasks for the world. In face of these, Li Guoying proposed three initiatives. First, adhere to the water governance philosophy of “prioritizing water conservation, balancing spatial distribution, taking systematic approaches and promoting government-market synergy” to effectively address global water challenges, and realize the harmonious coexistence of people and water. Second, put people’s livelihood first, focus on water-related issues that people are most concerned about, improve the well-being of people around the world by water, and enhance people’s sense of gain, happiness and security. Third, endeavor to tackle the deficit in water governance, coordinate international efforts in flood control, water supply security, food security and ecological security, and advance the global momentum toward better water governance.
Li Guoying stressed that Ministry of Water Resources stands ready to work together with the international community, so as to improve water governance and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind.
The World Water Forum is currently the largest international water event in the world, initiated by the World Water Council and held every three years. It aims to implement international resolutions on water and sustainable development, and promote exchanges and cooperation among countries in the sustainable use of water resources. The 10th World Water Forum was jointly hosted by the World Water Council and the Indonesian government. Approximately 50000 officials and experts from over 200 countries and international organizations around the world attended. The forum held 278 meetings around 6 sub themes, including water security and prosperity, water for human and nature, disaster risk reduction and management, cooperation and hydro diplomacy, water innovative finance and knowledge and innovation.
Source: INTCE