By Setyawati Fitrianggraeni, Fildza Nabila Avianti and M Soufi Gemilang*
The World Water Forum is the largest international gathering in the water industry that brings together various participants. It is organized jointly by the World Water Council and a designated host city. The Forum convenes triennially and has been conducted annually since 1997.[1] The World Water Forum encompasses more than just a conference. It consists of a three-year preparatory phase, a one-week event phase, and a presentation of the outcomes during the synthesis phase, together with continuous support for collective action.[2][3]
The Forum convenes participants from many sectors and levels, such as politics, multilateral institutions, academia, civil society, and the commercial sector.[4] From May 18 – 24, 2024 in Bali, global leaders, international organization heads, government officials, experts, scholars, entrepreneurs, and economists convened to exchange their expertise, experiences, and strategies on many water-related subjects.[5]
The world has been grappling with water security challenges that threaten lives, livelihoods, and political stability. Under the theme “Water for Shared Prosperity”, the 10th World Water Forum in Bali functions as a global platform dedicated to exploring inclusive and innovative solutions for critical water-related issues.[6] The 10th World Water Forum also strived in accelerating the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 2030.[7]
There are at least five deliverables that the Forum aimed, they are sustainable lake management, centre of excellence on water and climate, water availability and access to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), knowledge and innovation in water sector, and disaster resilience and risk management.[8]
What distinguishes the World Water Forum 2024 from its predecessors is the Compendium of Concrete Deliverables and Actions, which includes 113 projects worth $9.4 billion with 33 countries and 53 international organizations as sponsors, donors, and beneficiaries.
In addition, for Indonesia, the holding of the Forum resulted in concrete action plan, among others, the signing of the financing agreement of the Karian-Serpong Regional Drinking Water Supply System (SPAM) and a memorandum of understanding on the Net-Zero water supply.
The People’s Water Forum (PWF) is a global network of Water Justice Movements. They advocate for ensuring water access as a human rights and challenge the privatization and commercial exploitation of water resources.
The PWF convened a gathering in Denpasar, Bali, on May 21-23 with the aim of opposing water privatization and promoting water management that serves the public’s welfare. Nevertheless, on Monday, May 20, 2024, a preliminary meeting organized by the PWF at a hotel in Denpasar was interrupted by individuals belonging to a local organization.[9]
Amnesty International declared that the act of intimidating and assaulting organizers and participants of PWF constitutes as a grave assault on a peaceful assembly.[10] Indonesian civil society organizations (CSOs) have collectively released a statement denouncing the oppressive actions conducted by PGN and labeling it as the restriction of civic freedom.[11]
*Setyawati Fitrianggraeni holds the position of Managing Partner at Anggraeni and Partners in Indonesia. She also serves as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden. Additionally, Fildza Nabila Avianti is a former Senior Researcher in the Legal Lab at Anggraeni and Partners, and Sri Purnama is a researcher in the Legal Lab.
[1] 10th World Water Forum, ‘Overview’ <https://worldwaterforum.org/overview> accessed on 26 July 2024.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Eddy Cahyono Sugiarto, ‘World Water Forum ke-10 di Bali dan Peran Strategis Indonesia’ (Ministry of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia May 2024) <https://www.setneg.go.id/baca/index/world_water_forum_ke_10_di_bali_dan_peran_strategis_indonesia> accessed on 25 July 2024.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] United Nations Indonesia, ‘The United Nations at the World Water Forum 2024’ (United Nations Indonesia Press Release 2024) <https://indonesia.un.org/en/267868-united-nations-world-water-forum-2024> accessed on 23 July 2024.
[7] Ibid.
[8] World Water Forum 2024, Overview.
[9] Amnesty International Press Release, ‘Shameful initimidation of participants at People’s Water Forum in Bali’ (Amnesty International May 2024) <https://www.amnesty.id/kabar-terbaru/siaran-pers/shameful-intimidation-of-participants-at-peoples-water-forum-in-bali/05/2024/> accessed on 25 July 2024.
[10] Ibid.
[11] Indonesian Legal Aid Press Release, ‘Shrinking Civic Space in Indonesia Recurred in People Water Forum 2024’ (Indonesian Legal Aid May 2024) <https://ylbhi.or.id/informasi/shrinking-civic-space-in-indonesia-recurred-in-people-water-forum-2024/> accessed on 26 July 2024.
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