World's International Forum in Tropical Paradise

 Hi everyone, it’s Leon again. This time I’d like to share about our story where Kawasaki Sensei and I  visited and presented our works in one of the biggest water forum – The World Water Forum! 

For those who are not familiar, please allow me to explain. 

The World Water Forum, held every three years by the World Water Council, is a key international event that tackles global water challenges through dialogue and collaboration among government, academia, industry, and civil society. This time, the 10th Forum took place in Bali, Indonesia from May 18-25, 2024, gathering the heads of state, the heads of international organizations, high level government officials, experts, academia, entrepreneurs and economists to share insights and practices on a wide range of water-related topics.

Upon arriving in Bali, I am awestruck by the island. Often called the "Island of the Gods," Bali truly lives up to its reputation as a paradise on earth. I believe the picture below clearly illustrates why. 

During the event, representing experts and academia, Kawasaki Sensei was invited to speak at the 23rd Meeting of the High-level Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP). He also served as the coordinator in the CC13 Thematic Sessions with topic: Mobilizing ‘wise’ investments to address water crises, water disasters and to improve climate resilience. The 23rd HELP Meeting featured experts from prestigious organizations such as Japan’s MLIT, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, JICA, UNESCO, the Global Water Partnership (GWP), ICHARM, etc. During this meeting, Kawasaki Sensei delivered a 5-minute presentation that highlighted how flood control investment is a potent strategy for reducing poverty and inequality caused by floods. As investment is essential to address issues related to water crises, water disasters, and climate resilience, it should be undertaken carefully, especially by countries with limited budgets. This need for ‘wise’ investment was further discussed during the CC13 Sessions held on May 24, 2024.

Oh also! I am ALSO PRESENTING! Yes, ME! ;)

It was an incredible honor and an unforgettable experience to present in front of so many distinguished individuals on this prestigious platform. I am deeply grateful to Koike Sensei and Kawasaki Sensei for giving me this opportunity. In my presentation, much like Kawasaki Sensei, I was discussing the pressing issue of “flood and poverty,” drawing from my master's research on the Chao Phraya River in Thailand.

Throughout the forum, many issues were highlighted, but poverty and socio-economic inequality were not extensively addressed. The talk presented by us on these matters served as an important reminder that the water issues discussed during the event are often most acutely felt by vulnerable communities. Ironically, these groups usually cannot help themselves, making it the moral duty of policymakers, from government officials to educational institutions, to extend their assistance.

As always, thank you all for reading till the end.

See you all soon!