The wall and a turret of the Forbidden City are reflected on the Tongzi River in Beijing, capital of China, June 10, 2023. /CFP
Editor's note: Kulsum Begum, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a security and strategic affairs researcher and freelance columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
The 18th World Water Congress is being held in Beijing from September 11-15. It is the world's most well-known conference for disseminating and receiving the latest information about water resources. The congress has brought together hundreds of specialists from all over the world to address some of the most pressing problems affecting this vital resource. It occurs at a time when 3.6 billion people go without enough water for at least one month every year. China is currently preoccupied with solving the water challenges in its northeastern provinces. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the need for meticulous planning and the development of contemporary infrastructure systems in northeast China. Under this guiding principle, northeast China can pursue high-quality growth.
Chinese modernization pursues a path of growth characterized by higher production, wealthier lifestyle, and a healthier environment. The development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and the creation of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area are some of China's examples of green development initiatives.
This year's event, themed "Water for All: Harmony between Humans and Nature," aims to balance the demands for water by both humanity and nature. Fresh water is essential for both humans and wildlife, but because there isn't always enough of it, it needs to be carefully managed. Mismanagement of freshwater ecosystems has resulted in pollution, drier rivers, and harmed habitats. However, climate change has, to some extent, increased flood hazards.
During this event, experts from China hope to share their knowledge of coping with recent floods and gain insight from other countries. It's the first time China is hosting the event, which has taken place every three years since 1973.
Everyone may contribute ideas and knowledge, encourage teamwork and advance goals relating to water. The meeting has the potential to be historic and will help outline how the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's water-related goals may be achieved.
Since the first UN Water Conference took place in Argentina in 1977, there are currently 8 billion people on Earth, and water consumption has increased significantly. Water must thus be handled scientifically as a precious resource, and exchanging expertise through an international forum can help achieve the goal. The organization of such an event in China is significant in this regard.
The summit may unite the worldwide community in working cooperatively as they agree to consistently maintain, conserve and expand water resources as well as figure out how to address upcoming global climate concerns. It is a forum where solutions to challenges relating to water are shared. Now, China is hosting this forum to interact, draw on cutting-edge technology, concepts and methodologies, and grow together via mutual learning.
An aerial view of the canal under the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, August 3, 2023. /CFP
As the world's largest developing nation, China is making tremendous headway in its water infrastructure at the moment, especially via the country's green Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Also, China keeps expanding its national network for the redistribution of water resources, including the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the biggest inter-basin water diversion project in the world that benefits a large population.
Moreover, China has also worked to guarantee that rural communities have access to clean water.
BRI partner countries are also reaping the rewards. The Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant in Ecuador changed the region's history of reliance on energy imports, sped up the development of associated infrastructure, and gave 15,000 jobs for locals. People have also benefited from the China-built Kaleta hydropower plant, Guinea's first significant hydropower project. The Brazilian state of Sao Paulo has greatly benefited from the San Lorenzo Water Supply Project.
To create a multi-tiered global network of partners, China continues to maintain exchanges and cooperation with international agencies in the field of climate change and water resources. Therefore, working with China would be advantageous for different parties.
(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)