Badung.  The 10th World Water Forum Symposium, scheduled from May 18-25, will reveal plans for 120 strategic projects aimed at improving water and sanitation, with a total investment of $9.4 billion (Rp 150 trillion).

Chief Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan announced these investments while inaugurating the National Committee Coordination Meeting for the 10th World Water Forum at Bali Laguna Resort and Spa on Thursday. He stressed the need for tangible outcomes from the forum.

"We must produce concrete deliverables from this forum. We will implement 120 strategic water-related projects worth $9.4 billion, including follow-ups from Indonesia's G20 2022 initiative, the G20 Bali Global Blended Finance Alliance (GBFA), which will support funding for climate action, including addressing the water crisis," he said in an official statement on Friday.

Minister Luhut also announced the launch of the GBFA Secretariat and the signing of initial commitments (letters of intent) with several countries as Founding Members on May 20. 

He further revealed that the world's largest water forum would be attended by 13,448 participants from 148 countries, including eight heads of state and government representatives, three special envoys, and 38 ministers. "Interest in this event is increasing. There will also be members of parliament from various countries, regional representatives, associations, private companies, and youth," Luhut added.

Luhut urged all parties involved in the preparations for the 10th World Water Forum to ensure meticulous execution due to the attendance of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and several heads of state. 

"A declaration with three proposed outcomes from Indonesia—integrated water resources management on small islands, a center of excellence on water and climate resilience, and the declaration of World Lake Day—will be presented to the United Nations as part of the UN Water Agenda," he added.

At the same event, the Chair of the National Committee for the World Water Forum and Minister of Public Works and Housing, Basuki Hadimuljono, said the Ministerial Meeting would be attended by approximately 103 ministers from 132 countries. "However, these numbers are still evolving, as 99 countries have yet to confirm," Basuki noted.

As of Friday, around 2,900 national participants had registered formally out of the 13,000 total registrants, with 1,600 participants from ministries and committees. There are 1,357 speakers from domestic and international backgrounds, and media exhibitors and sponsors number 4,890.

Two exhibitions will be held at the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC): the Country Pavilion and the Organization Pavilion, with participants from 21 countries confirmed to exhibit. Additionally, a fair and expo will be organized alongside the main forum.

To date, 188 media outlets and 690 journalists have registered, including representatives from 41 international and 64 national media organizations.

Add as a preferred source on Google +