the 18th World Water Resources Conference opened in Beijing, with the theme of "Water and Everything - Harmonious Coexistence between Man and Nature", to discuss water management strategies and seek cooperative development. Minister of Water Resources Li Guoying attended the opening ceremony of the conference and delivered a keynote speech.
Li Guoying pointed out that since ancient times, China's basic water regime has been characterized by summer floods and winter droughts, as well as a shortage of water resources in the north and south. The spatiotemporal distribution of water resources is extremely uneven, and water and drought disasters occur frequently and repeatedly. Eliminating water disasters and promoting water conservancy have always been major and important matters related to the long-term stability of the country. We have solved many water control problems that we have long wanted to solve but have not solved. We have achieved profound changes in the way we use water resources, optimized the overall allocation of water resources, fundamentally improved the appearance of Rivers and Lakes, and systematically improved our water conservancy governance capacity. We have made significant progress in promoting the implementation of the water related goals of the 2030 UN Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Li Guoying pointed out that under the dual effects of climate change and intensified human activities, the world is generally facing water security issues such as frequent water disasters, water resource shortages, water ecological damage, and water environmental pollution. Addressing water security risks and challenges has become more prominent in accelerating the achievement of global sustainable development goals. Fully understand the limited and irreplaceable nature of freshwater resources, jointly fulfill the obligations and responsibilities of sustainable utilization of freshwater resources, actively promote and achieve agricultural water-saving and efficiency enhancement, industrial water-saving and emission reduction, urban water-saving and loss reduction, and comprehensively improve the capacity and level of water resource conservation and intensive utilization. The second is to adhere to spatial balance. Fully recognize that the carrying capacity of water resources, water ecology, and water environment is limited, and adhere to the principles of using water to determine the city, land, people, and production. Accelerate the comprehensive green transformation of development and lifestyle; Based on the overall basin and balanced spatial allocation of water resources, scientifically plan and construct a cross basin and cross regional water resource optimization allocation system, improve the adaptability of water resource conditions to the layout of economic and social development, and strive to achieve a balance between population economy and resource environment. The third is to adhere to systematic governance. Fully understand that watershed is the most fundamental and distinctive feature of Rivers and Lakes. Water and ecological elements are closely linked and interact with each other. From the perspective of ecological integrity and watershed system, promote the integrated protection and restoration of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grass and sand, respect the basic rights of natural rivers to survive, regard rivers as life bodies, build river ethics, maintain the healthy life of rivers, and achieve harmonious coexistence between people and rivers. The fourth is to persist in exerting both hands. Fully understanding that water governance is not only the main responsibility of the government, but also the need to make good use of market mechanisms, fully leverage the respective advantages of governments, international organizations, social organizations, economic organizations, etc. of various countries, open up a development path of cooperation, win-win, co construction and sharing, and gather wisdom and strength to respond to water disasters, water resources, water ecology, and water environment issues.
At the opening ceremony, Li Yuanyuan, President of the International Water Resources Association, Liu Yuhui, Deputy Mayor of Beijing, Li Junhua, Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Magnus Johannes Hoynik, Minister of Environment of Denmark, Basuki Hadimuyono, Minister of Public Works and Housing of Indonesia, Shavkat Hamlayev, Minister of Water Resources of Uzbekistan The President of the World Water Council, Locke Fuxun, and others delivered speeches and held awards ceremonies for the Zhou Wende Award, Crystal Ball Award, and Water Drop Award. After the opening ceremony, the attending guests jointly visited major exhibitions such as the China Water Control Achievement Exhibition.
The World Water Conference is one of the academic conferences with the widest range of participants, the largest impact, and the highest professional level in the field of international water resources. It is an important international exchange platform for the world water agenda, water policy, and water science knowledge sharing. Nearly 1300 representatives from over 60 countries and regions, as well as over 30 international organizations, participated in this conference. During the conference, four high-level plenary meetings, as well as multiple special sessions, special sessions, and side meetings, will be arranged, and important achievements such as the Beijing Declaration will be released.
Transferred from: website of the Ministry of Water Resources
Contact Person: Ms. Jing
Tel: +86 17381899613
