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Democracy's flow through the world and the People's Water Forum
Merging the WWF and the PWF into a single entity would encompass the breadth of water governance and set a precedence for a democratic process that respects and incorporates diverse perspectives, especially grassroots movements and underrepresented communities.
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A group of protesters gather on May 22 to block access to Hotel Oranjje in Denpasar, Bali, the main venue of the People’s Water Forum 2024, which was set to run from May 21 to 23. (Kompas/Cokorda Yudistira)
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his year, Indonesia proudly hosts the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in picturesque Nusa Dua, Bali. Themed "Water for Shared Prosperity", this global event organized by the Water Council aims to foster dialogue among international water stakeholders.
Concurrently, on the other side of Bali, approximately 20 kilometers from Nusa Dua, a parallel forum was held: the People’s Water Forum (PWF), a grassroots event offering a counterbalance to the global water conference. I travelled from Leiden to witness both events.
The triennial WWF aims to bring stakeholders together to discuss solutions to water-related challenges, develop a shared vision and promote engagement to build partnerships for water improvement.
I enjoy my participation in the WWF. The opening speech was unexpectedly delivered by Elon Musk, a notable choice given his profile and the breadth of industries he influences. His participation underscored the global and diverse interest in water governance issues, although it raised eyebrows considering his ventures' impacts, such as the concerns around the environmental footprint of his gigafactory.
Nonetheless, the event provided valuable learning opportunities. Participants could explore topics like alternative water financing, private sector involvement in water governance, new economic approaches to water, community-based participation and the legal and institutional challenges to water governance. High-level panels involving ministers, parliamentarians and key global actors on water were particularly insightful.
However, I missed an alternative paradigm that critically challenges the mainstream perspective on water governance and focuses on grassroots and marginalized groups. I expected this, given the high-level, diplomatic nature of the WWF. This is why I looked forward to the People’s Water Forum (PWF).
Unfortunately, the PWF in Bali was disbanded by a group of people claiming to represent the mass organization Patriot Garuda Nusantara (PGN), which was deeply disappointing. The PWF has traditionally been held alongside the WWF to provide an alternative platform.
