The world is facing increasingly complex challenges, ranging from population growth and land-use change to climate change, all of which significantly impact the sustainability of water resources. Retno Lestari Priansari Marsudi, Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, said that almost every country today is threatened by a water crisis.
“UN data shows that more than 2.2 billion people, or about 1 in 4 of the world’s population, do not have access to safe water sources. Meanwhile, more than 3.5 billion people, or about 4 in 10, lack access to proper sanitation,” said the former Indonesian Foreign Minister at the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and Seminar on Water Security held on Friday (Aug. 15) at the UGM Central Office’s Multimedia Room.
According to Marsudi, water-related disasters cause losses of up to 550 billion US dollars annually, with 95 percent of infrastructure damage worldwide linked to such disasters.
“We face three major water-related challenges: too much (flooding), too little (drought), and too polluted (contamination),” she explained.
In Indonesia, Marsudi said, these challenges are also evident. Data indicates that the country’s water demand is projected to rise by 31 percent by 2045.
“If unmet, this could hinder our national vision for Golden Indonesia 2045,” she added.
To address these issues, Marsudi outlined several measures.
First, advancing innovation and applying water technologies, from small-scale daily water efficiency practices to large-scale innovations in agriculture and industry.
Second, expanding expertise and human resources in the water sector, as half of the world’s water specialists are approaching retirement age, while demand continues to grow.
“Universities play a critical role in driving innovation and training new experts in the water field. We must be prepared, as water is not only a technical issue but one that concerns the survival of humanity,” she emphasized.
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia highlighted that water is the essential element of life. She noted that Indonesia has long struggled with water-related problems, from floods and landslides to droughts that affect agricultural productivity and community welfare.
“Even as a doctor, I am always reminded that about 80 percent of the human body consists of water. To survive, water must be given proper attention. This FGD is an important first step for UGM to strengthen academic networks and make long-term contributions to water security issues at both the national and international levels,” she said.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian