As President of the World Water Council, it is with immense pride and a sense of accomplishment that I reflect on the milestones achieved during the 10th World Water Forum held in Bali. This landmark event underscored our collective commitment to advancing the global water agenda, emphasizing the vital role of water in achieving shared prosperity and addressing the persistent inequalities in access to clean, safe water and sanitation. The forum, masterfully organized under the leadership of Indonesia, set a new standard for international cooperation and highlighted the critical importance of water in our interconnected world.

Water is indispensable to health, food security, energy production, education, and economic development. The forum reinforced that equitable access to water is foundational to global peace and prosperity. Yet, many regions continue to struggle with severe disparities in water access, leading to health crises, economic stagnation, and social unrest. Our discussions in Bali underscored the urgent need to bridge these gaps and promote a just and sustainable water future for all.

The forum brought to light the multifaceted challenges facing global water management, including demographic pressures, climate change, water-borne diseases, and pollution. Participants emphasized the importance of political and economic decision-makers, consumers, and residents in advocating for fair water distribution, resource security, conservation, and effective wastewater management. The future of our planet depends on our ability to address these issues with coordinated and decisive action.

A significant milestone of the 10th World Water Forum was the emphasis on investing in resilient, sustainable water infrastructure. Such investments are vital in fortifying communities against climate change and extreme weather events like droughts and floods. Decisions like the establishment of World Lake Day exemplify our commitment to promoting sustainable water resource use and ensuring future generations inherit a healthier planet.

A major diplomatic triumph of the forum was the advancement of cross-border cooperation. Countries sharing rivers, lakes, and forests engaged in dialogue, establishing cooperation structures to promote best practices, protect catchments, restore rivers, reduce pollution, and conserve water. These efforts underscore the power of diplomacy in resolving water-related conflicts and fostering regional stability. For example, the commitment to enhance cooperation along the Mekong River basin highlighted the potential for shared water management to promote peace and development across borders.

The forum highlighted the three pillars of effective water management: knowledge, finance, and governance. Knowledge and innovation were at the forefront, with discussions on harnessing technical and digital advancements for water safety. Seawater desalination by reverse osmosis, currently utilized in over 70 countries, and the reuse of treated wastewater were highlighted as key advancements. Digitization, enabling farmers and citizens to monitor water consumption and detect leaks, was also emphasized, showcasing its potential to transform water management practices.

Addressing the financial shortfall in the water sector was another critical topic. The forum called for increased investments in water infrastructure, highlighting the disparity between funding for water and other sectors like energy and telecommunications. Ensuring that water is adequately funded is essential for achieving access to water and sanitation. The commitment to creating a Global Water Financing Facility was a monumental step towards securing the necessary resources for sustainable water projects worldwide. Notably, a crucial demand was made to erase the water debt of the poorest countries, recognizing that alleviating this burden is essential for enabling their progress toward water security.

Transparent and equitable water governance was underscored throughout the forum. The days of centralized water management are over; responsibility must be shared among the state, watershed organizations, and local authorities. This multi-level governance ensures a fairer sharing of proficiencies. Indonesia’s leadership in promoting inclusive governance models was particularly commendable, setting an example for other nations to follow.

The forum provided a platform for regional dialogues, enabling participants from different parts of the world to share their unique challenges and solutions. With over fifty specific meetings and cross-fertilization dialogues, regions such as Africa, the Mediterranean, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America came together to exchange experiences. For instance, Mediterranean countries facing water scarcity and stress due to arid climates shared insights with Asia-Pacific nations dealing with natural disasters like typhoons and floods. Latin America, with its diverse ecosystems and water challenges, also played a pivotal role in these discussions. These exchanges fostered mutual understanding and collaborative problem-solving, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in addressing global water issues.

With around 300 thematic sessions, the forum offered in-depth discussions on various topics, including water security, cross-border cooperation, technological innovation, and sustainable financing. These sessions provided a space to explore complex issues, share tailored solutions, and highlight best practices for local and regional contexts. The thematic focus allowed participants to delve into specific challenges and develop actionable strategies to address them.

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the 10th World Water Forum was the series of political commitments made by world leaders, executives, elected officials, and parliamentarians. These commitments are vital for effectively improving access to water for all and safeguarding this fundamental human right. The Indonesian leadership was instrumental in driving these commitments, demonstrating a profound understanding of the urgency and scale of the global water challenges.

The 10th World Water Forum in Bali was a resounding success, marking significant progress in advancing the global water agenda. The milestones achieved reflect our collective determination to address the pressing water challenges of our time. By fostering shared prosperity, promoting innovative solutions, and strengthening governance, we are paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable water future. 

As we move forward, the World Water Council will continue to champion the cause of water security and work tirelessly to ensure that every person, regardless of their location or circumstance, has access to clean, safe water and sanitation. Together, we can create a world where water is a source of life, health, and prosperity for all. We must share and disseminate the solutions we have crafted, ensuring they reach every corner of the globe.

To this end, we must embody the seven commitments proposed by the World Water Council to be true Water Warriors:

1. Promote water security policies worldwide at all levels of responsibility.

2. Advocate for water sobriety by modifying our behaviors and changing our habits.

3. Upscale Nature-Based Solutions at the basin level first.

4. Urge all countries to enshrine the right to water in their national constitutions, laws, and local regulations, making it enforceable for all.

5. Create a "Money For Water" Coalition to be presented at the next United Nations conference, including sub-sovereignty and the cancellation of water debt for the poorest countries.

6. Ensure a significant portion of climate funds is devoted to water, including wastewater management.

7. Call for international action for active, decentralized governance based on multilateral cooperation, essential for strengthening mediation rules for rivers, lakes, and basins, fostering true hydro-diplomacy and peace.

Together, as World Water Warriors, let us rise to these commitments and pave the way for a brighter, water-secure future for all.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President, government, and people of Indonesia for their extraordinary organization and for amplifying the voice for water worldwide. Your warmth, dedication, and leadership have been truly inspiring and instrumental in advancing our shared mission. Thank you.

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Loic Fauchon is the President of the World Water Council.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author.

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