Indonesia Pushes for Fair and Responsive Global Water Governance
Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir stated that water is now a global strategic resource crucial for life, peace, and global development resilience amid increasingly complex challenges. His remarks were made at the 4th High-Level International Conference on the International Decade for Action ‘Water for Sustainable Development’ (2018-2028) in Dushanbe from 25-28 May 2026.
In his speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Nasir highlighted water security as a key test for global sustainable development. He noted that challenges are growing due to limited access to clean water and proper sanitation in many countries. Additionally, demand for water supply to support digital and critical mineral industries is rising.
“Water is now a strategic resource underpinning the global digital economy. Previously, resource conflicts centered on oil and land, but future global competition is expected to increasingly revolve around control and access to water,” Nasir said in a statement on Thursday (28 May).
He stressed that the water crisis cannot be viewed merely as an environmental or technical issue, but as a multidimensional challenge linked to stability, justice, and global governance in the future. He said responding to global water issues requires multilateral systems and more responsive and equitable global governance.
The Dushanbe Water Conference (DWC2026) is an initiative by the Tajikistan government in collaboration with the United Nations. The forum aims to promote collective efforts in implementing the Water Action Agenda and accelerating the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also forms part of the preparations for the United Nations Water Conference 2026 in Abu Dhabi from 2-4 December 2026.
DWC2026 was opened by Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, who highlighted the complexity of global water challenges and obstacles to achieving SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation. The forum was attended by delegations from 110 countries and 75 international organisations, including UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Water Retno Marsudi.
In addition to attending DWC2026, the Indonesian delegation participated in the Asia-Pacific regional preparatory meeting for UNWC2026, organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific on 25 May 2026. The regional meeting aimed to strengthen Asia-Pacific perspectives and partnerships to accelerate SDG 6 progress ahead of the UN Water Conference 2026.
Indonesia continues to strengthen its global role on water issues following its hosting of the 10th World Water Forum in Nusa Dua, Bali, in May 2024. Indonesia’s presence at DWC2026 underscores the importance of water and sanitation management as part of national strategic development agendas, aligning with President Prabowo Subianto’s priorities on water resource management to support food security and national resilience.