MINISTER of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar is attending the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia, Brazil, following an invitation from the Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Brazil.
Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Haji Marzuke bin Haji Mohsin and MoD senior officers are accompanying the minister at the six-day forum which concludes tomorrow.
Co-organised by the World Water Council and Brasilia City Council for its 8th edition, the forum is the biggest water-related event held every three years since 1997.
Its objectives are to promote awareness; build political commitment and integrated action on critical water issues at all levels; and to facilitate the efficient conservation, protection, development, planning, management and use of water in all its dimensions on an environmentally sustainable basis for the benefit of all.
The event was officially opened on Monday by the President of Federal Republic of Brazil.
On the same day, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi presented Brunei Darussalam’s National Statement at the Ministerial Conference, in which he outlined the challenges faced by all nations in ensuring water security for social economic growth.
It is imperative for countries to plan with strategic foresight, brace for climate variability and utilise technologies with capacity development to ensure continuous national growth.
Brunei Darussalam is similar to many other nations in that it is faced with economy diversifications, the needs to fulfil water demands from different water user sectors, and affluent lifestyle.
The MoD continues to plan and develop strategically the necessary soft and hard infrastructures to address national challenges.
Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi also participated at the Ministerial Roundtable Discussions, which is a platform for ministers and high-level officials from countries to discuss specific water-related subjects.
Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi exchanged views on impediments to sustainable water management, on how water can be used more efficiently and sustainably, and best practices in water governance.
The minister and his delegation also attended several thematic and special sessions on water challenges and solutions, success stories and projects carried out by dedicated organisations and institutions towards Goal 6 of MDG.
Prior to the official opening on Monday, the minister participated in the high-level meeting on the drafting of ministerial declaration for global water-sharing mission, emphasising on effort and commitment of governments, institutions, corporations and civil societies towards the attainment of Goal 6 of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals on water security and sanitation.
The 8th World Water Forum draws over 40,000 participants from the world over, with 14 head of states, over 50 water resources and development ministers, government officials, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), academia, civil societies, local citizens and students.
For the first time, the launching of the United Nations World Water Development Report took place in Brazil, during the forum.
The document, titled ‘United Nations World Water Development Report (WWDR),’ shows how solutions based on nature can contribute to the improvement of water quality and supply, as well as in the prevention of natural disasters.
During the forum, Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi held bilateral sessions with Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Brazil José Sarney Filho and Head of Delegation of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, Daniela Krahl.
This forum provides opportunities for the Ministry of Development to learn on legislations and water governance, thereby enhancing sound management of water resources and infrastructures. It also provides a unique opportunity to enhance knowledge on water related issues and establishes international collaboration with governmental authorities and NGOs.