On March 22, 2024, the World Water Day Open Day event took place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. Hosted jointly by the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research (hereinafter referred to as "CIWRHR") and the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, the event was co-organized by the China Water Conservancy Museum, the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage, the International Research and Training Center on Erosion and Sedimentation, and the Chinese National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage.
In her opening speech, Peng Jing, the Director of CIWRHR, emphasized the increasingly severe challenges facing global water resource management in the context of climate change and population growth. She expressed hope that through this event, greater exchange and cooperation among different water civilizations could be achieved to advance the sustainable development of global water resources.
Xia Zehan, the Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, elaborated on UNESCO's concepts regarding water-related issues, urging global unity and enhanced cooperation to promote harmony and prosperity through effective water resource management, thus contributing to the realization of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The theme of World Water Day 2024 was "Water for Peace," highlighting the crucial role of water in promoting peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Through activities such as museum research, salon discussions, and urban water system inspections, the World Water Day Open Day event provided a platform for dialogue among different water cultures and mutual learning among different water civilizations. The event aimed to appreciate the beauty of diverse water civilizations, discuss strategies for water governance, promote global water cooperation, and jointly build a beautiful future of harmony between people and water.
During the event, delegates from various countries visited the China Water Conservancy Museum to gain insights into China's history and achievements in water management. Salon dialogues were held around the theme "Water as a Medium—Advancing the Building of a Community with a Shared Future for Humanity," where participants discussed the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development of global water resources. Additionally, they conducted research visits to explore Hangzhou's urban water systems and water cultural heritage.
It is worth noting that World Water Day was established by the United Nations in 1993 and is observed annually on March 22nd to emphasize the importance of water and advocate for sustainable water resource management.
