Background
Water is at the heart of recent milestone agreements such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and the 2015 Paris Agreement. The World Economic Forum ranks the water crisis in the top 3 of global risks for the third consecutive year. Failing to respond effectively to these challenges will have devastating global effects. To be successful, people need to respond in a coordinated and effective manner. In UN resolution 71/222, the General Assembly proclaims the period from 2018 to 2028 the International Decade for Action, “Water for Sustainable Development” (the “Decade”), to further improve cooperation, partnership and capacity development in response to the ambitious 2030 Agenda.
To ensure water security, water conservation is the priority with spatial equilibrium; and both the government and the market shall make efforts to achieve systemic governance. ——H.E. Xi Jinping, president of China
Related to this, in the scope of the 6th ASEM Seminar on Urban Water Management (further referred to as “ Seminar”) here, there is the theme of promoting sustainable development of water resources for shared prosperity as the focus. The Seminar aims at sustainable water development policies, sustainable water utility services and water management, examining the value of water in the circular economy, the role of cross-sectoral cooperation (science, profession, industry) in creating a water-conscious society, how the system of financing water solutions can become sustainable, and how investors and financial institutions can become stakeholders in the operation of a new system that considers the interests of the future. The goal of the Seminar is to show how water connects all of us, highlighting the water awareness that is essential for the actions of societal actors, and the potential to shift the scientific, industrial, business and individual responsibility at micro and macro levels towards sustainability.
Key Highlights
The Seminar is guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC and the People’s Government of Hunan Province, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology of Hunan Province, Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), and the Foreign Affairs Office of People’s Government of Hunan Province, and organized by ASEM Water Resources Research and Development Center (ASEMWater), the People’s Government of Zhangjiajie Municipality, and Hungarian Water Partnership (HWP). With the theme of “Promoting Sustainable Development of Water Resources for Shared Prosperity,” the Seminar aimed to establish an influential international platform and network for Asia-Europe members to exchange solutions, share outcomes, and promote dialogue across governments, private sectors, academia, and civil society in integrated and sustainable water management.
The Seminar was attended by more than 100 government officials, experts, scholars, business representatives, diplomats from embassies in China, and representatives from international organizations from 22 ASEM members. Covering the themes of Integrated Governance of Urban Water, Ecological and Environmental Governance of Rivers and Lakes, and Case Sharing of Technology Innovation Practice, the Seminar 19 experts from water-related agencies and international organizations from 17 countries delivered insightful academic reports, sharing successful practices in sustainable urban water management and exploring research trends, new technologies, and ideas.
During the Seminar, experts focused on key issues in water environment, water ecology, water-related disasters, and water management and proposed practical solutions. Looking ahead, ASEM members plan to prioritize regional issues, deepen cooperation, and put forth constructive solutions to realize the vision of “Innovation and Cooperation for a Sustainable Future for Water Resources,” advancing the global goal of building a community with a shared future for humankind.
Seminar Time and Theme
Time: 22-24 October 2024; Two days of seminar and one day of academic field trip
Theme: Promoting Sustainable Development of Water Resources for Shared Prosperity
Three plenary sessions will be held under the following themes:
- First Plenary Session: Integrated Governance of Urban Water Environment
- Second Plenary Session: Ecological and Environmental Governance of Rivers and Lakes
- Third Plenary Session: NEAR “Innovation+ Water Resources” Seminar Parallel Session – Case Sharing of Technology Innovation Practice
Seminar Format and Location
Offline event: China·Changsha/Zhangjiajie
Working Language
English (with simultaneous interpretation in Chinese and English)
