XVIII World Water Congress

His Excellency Mr. Wang Daoxi, Vice Minister of Water Resources of China,

Mr. Li Yuanyuan, President of the International Water Resource Association,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we gather here for the closing ceremony of the 18th World Water Congress, I am honoured to address you. 

Let me start by congratulating the Government of China for hosting this very important World Water Congress. And I thank His Excellency Mr. Li Guoying, the Minister of Water Resources, for his leadership.

At the UN 2023 Water Conference in March, Minister Li Guoying said, “In the face of the grave challenge of global climate change and its intensifying impact, we should give full play to UN agencies in providing a platform for governments, international organizations, think tanks, civil societies and other stakeholders, which have respective strengths in responding to global climate change, to exchange and cooperate, so as to pool our wisdom and strength to address challenges regarding water disasters, water resources, water environment and water ecology issues."

I also commend the International Water Resources Association and the Ministry of Water Resources of China for hosting this congress.

Over the past several days, we have engaged in discussions, shared experiences, and forged connections that hold immense significance in the space of water resource management and sustainability, with relevance to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation. 

At the midpoint of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Water Action Decade, progress on its water-related goals continues to be well below the pace needed to meet the 2030 targets. Despite progress, 2.2 billion people still lacked safely managed drinking water services, 3.4 billion lacked safely managed sanitation services, and 1.9 billion lacked basic hygiene services in 2022, particularly in rural areas and the least developed countries. Alarmingly, 42 per cent of household wastewater is not treated properly. 

One in two countries still lack effective frameworks for sustainable water management. Moreover, water scarcity is a growing problem in many parts of the world, exacerbated by growing conflicts and climate change. In addition, water pollution remains a significant challenge, affecting both human health and the environment globally.

This congress, with its theme of “Water for All: Harmony between Humans and Nature,” highlights the delicate balance between humanity and nature, and has arrived at a pivotal time to address water issues and rescue the SDGs, by getting SDG 6 back on track.

Reflecting on our discussions and the consensus that has emerged during this congress, it is evident that water resource management requires a dynamic, coordinated, and equitable relationship between humanity and nature. 

We have explored the nexus between water, human activities, the economy, and ecology under changing environmental conditions. We have examined strategies to enhance water efficiency, productivity, and services. We have discussed ways to build resilience for disaster prevention and mitigation and support the health and functions of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, we have emphasized the importance of establishing sustainable water infrastructures and fostering innovation for water governance and management.

China, with its rich and diverse experiences in water management, has offered valuable insights to address complex water challenges. While such challenges remain and are being exacerbated further by threats such as climate change, the experiences gained here are not just lessons for China but are also valuable knowledge that, when shared, can benefit other countries around the world facing similar challenges.

The just-announced “Beijing Declaration”, also shows a welcome commitment to meaningful progress in water resource management, echoing the principles of SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, and a dedication to a sustainable water future for all in the spirit of many of the SDGs, including SDG 6, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 14 on Life below Water and SDG 15 on Life on Land.

As we leave this congress, it is fitting to recall the words of the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who said, “Water is humanity’s lifeblood, from the food we eat to the ecosystems and biodiversity that enrich our world to the prosperity that sustains nations, to the economic engines of agriculture, manufacturing and energy generation to our health, hygiene and survival itself.” 

We must recognize the urgency of our deliberations here and the work that lies ahead on the water-related goals of the 2030 Agenda. Our collective responsibility must be to embark on a new phase of accelerated progress on the SDGs, by ensuring water is managed wisely and sustainably in order to leave no one behind and create a more harmonious balance between people and planet.

I congratulate South Africa, which will host the upcoming 19th World Water Congress. I have been to South Africa. Half the country is nature, the rest is magic.

Thank you, and I look forward to witnessing the positive impact of our collective efforts in the years to come.