Bali, ABIM (21/5/2024) – The Bandung Spirit Water Summit, scheduled for May 21, will emphasize global collaboration to address water issues on small and outer islands. This summit is a key event within the 10th World Water Forum, taking place in Nusa Dua, Bali, from May 18 to 25, 2024.

Minister Basuki highlighted the critical need for integrated water resource management on small and outermost islands to combat climate change and sea-level rise. He addressed the issues in water resource management, including disaster management regulations, data collection, analysis, capacity building, and stakeholder coordination.

“Cooperation is essential in developing strategic planning to raise awareness of integrated water resource management for small and outer islands facing climate change and sea-level rise,” said Basuki at the 23rd High-Level Experts and Leaders Panel (HELP) on Water and Disasters in Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre on Sunday, May 19.

The Indonesian government has initiated the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Water and Climate Resilience, aimed at integrating environmental and socio-economic aspects to tackle climate change.

“Networking and collaboration among stakeholders—government, private sector, and academia—are vital to developing technology, building capacity, and implementing effective solutions for climate change and sustainable, inclusive natural resource challenges,” Basuki added.

Professor Kenzo Hiroki from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) and HELP Coordinator noted that the high-level panel brings water issues to a platform of political solidarity and shared prosperity.

The Bandung Spirit Water Summit will serve as a new political framework to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through water. “This forum will see world leaders, international organizations, experts, and stakeholders engage in dialogue and produce ‘The Spirit of Bandung: a call to action,'” said Kenzo.

Gathering heads of state, stakeholders, and experts, the Bandung Spirit Water Summit aims to formulate proposals and real actions, focusing on water and peace, climate change and disaster risk reduction, sanitation and water for all, finance and governance, and youth.

The term “Bandung Spirit” harks back to the collaborative efforts of the participating countries in the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference.
Minister Basuki has previously emphasized the Bandung Spirit, including at the 21st HELP on Water and Disasters in Madrid in 2023.(ABIM)