The 10th World Water Forum under the theme of "Water for Shared Prosperity" officially opened on Indonesia's island of Bali on Monday.
A number of national leaders and United Nations representatives attended the opening ceremony.
The logo of the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. /CMG
The 10th World Water Forum focuses on four topics, namely water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy security, and mitigation of natural disasters.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in his opening remarks that in 2050, 500 million small farmers who contribute 80 percent of the world's food are predicted to be among the most vulnerable to drought.
The opening ceremony of the 10th World Water Forum. /CFP
"By gathering us in Bali today, Indonesia hopes that the world can join hands on an ongoing basis to strengthen the commitment to collaboration in overcoming global challenges related to water," he added.
World Water Council President Loic Fauchon, who also made remarks, said water unites people, but Earth has been damaged by people too.
"And we are here because, aware of this tragedy, we want to repair it and give future generations hope, desire and serenity," he said.