SONGSAN – The Minister of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono attended The 4th General Assembly of Asia Water Council (AWC) at the Songsan Global Education & Research Center, South Korea, Thursday (26/7).
During the meeting, he said that the meeting this time exhibited the rapid progress of AWC since the first meeting which was held in Bali on 24–26 March 2016.
It is known that AWC now has 124 members representing 24 countries in Asia.
“Through AWC, we have binded a strong partnership that transcends political and cultural differences. AWC has become a driving force in overcoming water-related challenges, including ensuring access to safe water and sanitation and reducing the impact of disasters related to water and climate change,” said Basuki.
One of the collaborations between Indonesia and AWC is Smart Water Management in Denpasar, Bali.
The collaboration was made in aim to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and achieve efficient water management.
“In addition, we will also start a collaboration for the Semarang Smart Water Cities Project with AWC, IWRA (International Water Resources Association), and K-Water. We are grateful for this initiative that allows us to evaluate the provision and management of our urban water services,” he added.
As a follow-up to the UN 2023 Water Conference, collaboration of all parties in overcoming water-related issues is seen as important to ensure people’s welfare.
This goal is in line with the 10th World Water Forum which will be held in Bali in 2024 with the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”.
“We are committed to making the 10th World Water Forum a platform for exchanging innovative ideas and concrete actions that will shape the future of water governance in the world. With the support and active participation of the AWC and its member countries, we are confident that this event will deliver real results and inspire transformative change,” he said.
The discussion in the 10th World Water Forum will be carried out through thematic, regional and political processes.
“In the regional process, the role of the AWC is very important. There are many issues that we need to discuss, and maybe we can decide on a solution. Therefore, we are waiting for the active participation of the AWC in the 10th World Water Forum,” he concluded.
