I am optimistic that the 2nd Asia International Water Week can produce high-quality policy recommendations and action plans that can be implemented with clear timelines that will contribute toward sustainable development in Asia.Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Government is participating in resolving issues related to water through the 2nd Asia International Water Week (AIWW), Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, said in an official statement released on Monday.
The 2nd AIWW is being held from March 14 to March 16, 2022, in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara.
The AIWW is a platform for water-related stakeholders and experts, who are members and candidate members of the Water Council (AWC), to gather and share their insights and experiences in order to develop actionable plans that can contribute to sustainable development in Asia.
"I hope to become a part of the important discussion that will be held within the next two days," Hartarto remarked.
"I am optimistic that the 2nd Asia International Water Week can produce high-quality policy recommendations and action plans that can be implemented with clear timelines that will contribute toward sustainable development in Asia," he added.
The Asia Water Ministers’ Meeting is also being held to provide all countries with the opportunity to strengthen cooperation in implementing strategic policies related to water.
These policies are necessary for improving public health and education, reducing inequality, encouraging economic growth, and handling climate change.
The minister said he expects the event to be a positive platform for developing stronger cooperation between AWC member countries for resolving problems related to water.
In addition, by sharing the water problems that they prioritize, members can develop real action plans to realize the commitment of the Asia Water Ministries’ Meeting in the future.
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According to the Asia and the Pacific SDG Progress Report published by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Asia has the most globally significant concentration of water-related disaster risks.
These include water scarcity, flood, drought, water pollution, glacier melting, and inadequate access to clean water services and safe sanitation.
In addition, urbanization, fast-growing population, intensive industrial activities, and climate change are posing an additional threat to water resiliency in Indonesia as well as Asia.
Indonesia has complex water problems due to an abundance of water resources that are handled by multi-level management.
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Translator: Sanya Dinda S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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