The third Asia International Water Week (AIWW) opened in Beijing on Tuesday, bringing together participants from around the world to share insights on global water security amid current environmental challenges.
Officials and experts on water-related issues from 70 countries and regions have gathered for the five-day event to explore new strategies and solutions for water security challenges.
Global water security is threatened by the dual impact of climate change and human activities, putting people's wellbeing and prosperity at risk.
In a speech at the event, Li Guoying, China's minister for water resources, shared China's water management experiences in areas such as flood control and smart irrigation, and expressed the nation's commitment to deepen cooperation with the international community on water security issues.
"We are willing to work together with all countries and international organizations, under the guidance of the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative, to jointly promote future water security. Together, we will make efforts in achieving water-related targets of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda," said Li in his keynote speech at the AIWW's opening ceremony.
China provides water for nearly one-fifth of the global population and generates over 18 percent of the world's total economic output with only six percent of the planet's freshwater resources.
China is also a flood-prone nation and this year was able to store or divert over 140 billion cubic meters of floodwater nationwide to protect people's lives and property.
"We are very, very interested by the Chinese experience concerning water security at a global level and river security also. And we need the experience of Chinese colleagues, Chinese experts to provide this expertise in the world, which needs a lot of innovation, governance, and financing solutions for water," said Loic Fauchon, president of the World Water Council.
A joint statement, the 'Beijing Declaration', was released at the opening ceremony calling for concerted efforts to address water issues arising from climate change, rapid urbanization, and population growth through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing.
In addition to Asian countries and regions, delegations from Europe and Saudi Arabia are also attending this year's AIWW. Participants are expected to strengthen water-related cooperation and exchanges across various sectors with China throughout the week.
Third Asia International Water Week opens in Beijing
