Inaugurating the 10th WWF, President Jokowi Invites the World to Formulate Real Action
By : Ahmad Dante )*
President Jokowi officially opened the World Water Forum on May 20 2024 from the Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Nusa Dua Bali. On this occasion, the President called for the importance of global cooperation to overcome water problems.
Bali is hosting the 10th World Water Forum on 18 – 25 May 2024. This meeting is not just a gathering place for stakeholders, but an important step in finding solutions to increasingly complex and urgent water problems. With the various existing problems, it is believed that the 10th WWF meeting will have a positive impact on the preservation of water as a source of life.
In his speech at the 10th WWF Opening Ceremony, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of sustainable water management. Because, without water there is no food, no peace, no life. Therefore, he suggested that water must be managed well because every drop is very valuable.
President Jokowi also said that Indonesia has local wisdom in water management. One of them is the Subak irrigation system in Bali, which has been practiced since the 11th century, and is recognized as a world cultural heritage. Not only that, the President also conveyed the importance of the value of water for the Balinese people, which contains spiritual and cultural values that must be managed together.
The opening of the 10th WWF was full of splendor. The Opening Ceremony activities were also enlivened by artistic performances, ranging from orchestral music, dance, to choirs. A number of world figures also attended the opening ceremony, including President of the World Water Council Loic Fauchon, Dennis Francis as President of the 78th UN General Assembly Session, and Deputy PM of Malaysia Dato Sri Haji Fadillah Bin Haji Yusof. Apart from that, Tesla company leader Elon Musk was also present and gave opening remarks.
In the context of climate change, the water crisis is increasingly becoming a major concern. Rising global temperatures, changing weather patterns and melting polar ice have a direct impact on water availability. These changes cause floods, droughts and sanitation crises in various parts of the world. Therefore, the World Water Forum is an important platform to discuss this issue and find sustainable solutions.
Environmental activist and founder of Sea Soldier, Nadine Chandrawinata believes that the 10th World Water Forum will facilitate the search for solutions to all issues related to water resources so that they can be resolved properly.
Meanwhile, environmental activist and founder of Youthtopia, Melati Wijsen called on the 10th WWF participants in Bali to collaborate with each other, exchange ideas and knowledge and bring strong solutions to water problems.
The 10th World Water Forum is an international collaboration event for countries from all over the world to come together to share experiences, ideas and solutions. Collaboration like this is very important because the water crisis cannot be overcome by one country or one sector alone, requiring a holistic approach involving government, international institutions, the private sector and civil society.
Associate Expert Researcher at the Ecology and Ethnobiology Research Center of the National Research and Innovation Agency, Endang Savitri, emphasized that the big theme of the world water forum entitled “Water for Shared Prosperity” is in line with the global commitment to facing climate change. The government has also taken the right action by involving the community to deal with disasters.
As part of this effort, it is important to prioritize the values of sustainability and justice such as fair distribution of water, protection of natural resources, and the use of environmentally friendly technology must be the main principles in every solution resulting from the World Water Forum.
With its unique and diverse background, Bali has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for the world in facing the water crisis. The 10th World Water Forum is an opportunity for the universe to move forward together, overcome challenges, and create a better future for all creatures in the world. Let’s use this opportunity to act and make real changes for the common good.
)* The author is an observer of environmental issues.
