China shares insight on water governance

A Beijing Declaration was passed on Friday as the 18th World Water Congress concluded in Beijing, and President Xi Jinping's water governance strategy has been inscribed into the document.

Hosted by the International Water Resources Association and China's Ministry of Water Resources, the congress lasted from Monday to Friday, under the theme of "Water for All: Harmony between Humans and Nature".

"Since we live on the same planet and face common water problems and challenges, we need to exchange ideas and experiences on water governance," the declaration notes.

The congress recognizes that, as the host country of the event, China has adopted innovative approaches to water governance — "prioritizing water conservation, balancing water distribution in time and space, and taking a systematic approach to water management with the synergy of government and market", it says.

The approaches were put forward by Xi in March 2014 at a meeting of the Central Leading Group on Finance and Economic Affairs.

The declaration says China is sharing with the rest of the world its experience in guaranteeing the right to safe drinking water for all, improving water security capabilities, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The congress calls for sharing experiences and solutions to jointly address water challenges.

"It is essential to promote international exchange and cooperation in scientific research, technological innovation and management practice in the field of water resources," it says.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Renee Martin-Nagle, co-chair of the International Scientific Committee of the congress, highlighted the role China can play in global water governance with its ideas and wisdom.

"We are at a time fraught with challenges. Globally, more than 2 billion people live in countries experiencing what the United Nations calls high water stress due to planetary changes caused by both humans and the climate," she said.

Water-related problems such as frequent floods and droughts are being experienced and shared in more places and by more people, she continued.

"China, as a pivotal player in global water governance, is actively engaged in advancing global water management and safeguarding global water security, and significant strides have been made toward achieving the water-related goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," she noted.

She said a special session was convened during the weeklong congress, during which discussions revolved around China's water management principles, its practical experiences and remaining challenges, and how the country's wisdom and strength can contribute to global water governance.

"Clearly, China is ready to work with the international community and to make more contributions to achieve the water-related goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by using China's talent, ideas and strength to promote more robust green and global growth," she said.

According to the Ministry of Water Resources, four plenary sessions and 125 other meetings were held during the congress. Aside from attendees from across China, the gathering also attracted representatives from 80 countries and regions and over 30 international organizations.

Wang Daoxi, vice-minister of water resources, said China carried out constructive dialogues with many countries and international organizations during the event, including Denmark, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization.

China also signed memorandums of understanding with the International Water Resources Association and relevant government bodies of some countries, he said.

The country has deepened consensus and cooperation with the international community in addressing water issues, enhancing global water governance capabilities, and safeguarding global water security, he said.

"China is ready to discuss and share strategies and achievements in water management with other countries, and jointly promote global water governance reform and development," the vice-minister said.