ROME WATER DIALOGUE - Special Event on the Road to the 2023 UN Water Conference - Opening Remarks

ROME WATER DIALOGUE

Special Event on the Road to the 2023 UN Water Conference

Opening Remarks

By

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

29 November 2022

 

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

1. Thank you for joining the Rome Water Dialogue from around the globe.

2. Today’s event marks an important step on the road to the UN 2023 Water Conference, and FAO’s Water Journey.

3. Water is one of the world’s most precious resources, and critical for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

4. It is vital for agriculture, which accounts for 72% of global freshwater withdrawals.

5. Water flows throughout the food value chain and processing,

6. Yet, globally, we are facing severe water challenges, especially the droughts, floods and water pollution.

7. The climate crisis is increasing the frequency and intensity of droughts and floods, putting our water resources under greater stress.

8. Currently 2.3 billion people live in water-stressed countries, and 733 million people - about 10% of the global population live in countries with high and critical water stress.

9. On the contrary, at least 780 million people face high flood risk. The single flood in Pakistan this year took life of more than 1730 people, affected 33 million people, and caused total economic losses about USD 15.2 billion.

10. In addition, 80% of wastewater of the world is dumped into the rivers, lakes and wetlands, without being treated.

11. These challenges obstruct progress towards ensuring global food and water security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Dear Colleagues,

 

12. By 2050, global production of food, fiber and feed will need to increase by 50% compared to 2012 levels to meet growing demands.

13. Under a business-as-usual scenario, this would mean at least 35% of additional freshwater resources.

14. We need to cut greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further disruption to the water cycle, and we must look at the “big picture” of water resources management.

15. Integrated water-related strategies and policies, with concrete actions and strong political will, are crucial to agriculture, biodiversity, sanitation and hygiene, and economic prosperity.

16. As the main user of freshwater, the agricultural sector must play an active role in water governance discussions.

17. For this reason, integrated water resource management is a global priority for FAO.

18. We need country-led water dialogues and country-owned National Water Roadmaps to help strengthen inter-sectoral coordination.

19. FAO remains committed to support countries find and scale up solutions of comprehensive use of water resources.

20. Wastewater could be treated then used safely for different purposes, including for agriculture and circular economies.

21. Salt water along the coast or inland saline water could be used for aquaculture that produces food that is more nutritious.

22. Rainwater harvesting can help the most vulnerable communities, especially those facing severe water scarcity and those on the small islands, to live better and produce more.

23. Green water and sustainable soil management can help to improve the productivity of dryland that accounts for 80% of arable land.

24. Irrigated agriculture is over 2.5 times more productive than rainfed agriculture, and its water productivity in most places could be further improved.

25. We will continue to support countries through our global water management initiatives such as WASAG and WAPOR, among many others, as well as through regional water scarcity initiatives.

26. These programmes are built on evidence-based science and data, innovation and good practices to transform global agrifood systems to be more efficient, more inclusive, more resilient and more sustainable.

27. We must roll up our sleeves and ramp up our actions!

28. To do so, we need the strong, efficient, effective and coherent support of FAO Members, partners and all stakeholders.

29. Science and innovation are fundamental to significantly improve water use efficiency.

30. In the province of NingXia where I was Vice-Governor, the irrigated area tripled in 20 years, while total agricultural water use was considerably reduced, accompanied with the change of crops from potatoes to grapes for wine production.

31. I am providing this example to highlight the importance of bringing together all sectors to join forces, to co-create, co-design and co-advocate for actions for a water-secure future.

32. Today’s Rome Water Dialogue is an opportunity to discuss and share solutions and mechanisms to help strengthen inter-sectoral coordination on sustainable water resources management.

33. FAO is committed to continue working together to achieve our common goal of the 4 Betters: better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for all – to ensure that no one is left behind.

34. Today is an important start on our joint journey towards the UN 2023 Water Conference.

35. I wish you fruitful discussions and action-oriented outcomes.

36. Thank you.