Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, stated that most small island countries faced the same problems, such as limited resources, urbanization, agriculture, remoteness, vulnerability to natural disasters, and a vulnerable natural environment.
"In small island developing countries, these challenges are further exacerbated by a lack of financial resources and technical capacity, thereby disrupting the implementation of climate resilience plans," he noted in a statement from the Ministry of Communication and Informatics on Thursday.
He explained that to address various water-related problems, it is important to facilitate the development of a knowledge-based understanding of the impact of climate change on small island countries, small islands, and states.
"It is hoped that this High-Level Panel meeting will provide a framework for cooperation in encouraging and implementing integrated water resources management on small islands," he remarked.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pahala Mansury, affirmed that Indonesia is committed to increasing access to clean water throughout all islands, including on small islands.
Collaboration between the central and regional governments is the key to achieving the goal of clean water accessibility on small islands, he said.
"Through the 10th World Water Forum, the Indonesian government and representatives of delegations from the countries present are committed to encouraging equal access to clean water for small islands," Mansury remarked.
Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer of the Water and Energy Company of the Island of Bonaire, Joanne Balentien, said that Bonaire is an island country that cares about access to clean water.
The ongoing global water forum is expected to provide concrete steps supporting the sustainability of water resources on small islands.
"The 10th World Water Forum is a means of synergy where we can exchange experiences and insights related to water," Balentien noted.
"The Bonaire government itself ensures that pipe installation is evenly distributed, so that residents who live there feel safe and are free to use and consume clean water," she remarked.
The 10th World Water Forum, themed "Water for Shared Prosperity," will take place until May 25.
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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Anton Santoso
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