Reflecting on the Southeast Asia Water Scarcity Synthesis Session at the World Water Forum

On May 22, 2024, the Asia-Pacific Water Scarcity Programme hosted the Southeast Asia Water Scarcity Synthesis Session at the 10th World Water Forum. Moderated by Fany Wedahuditama from the Global Water Partnership, the session focused on the region's growing water challenges due to population growth, industrialization, urbanization, and climate change. Tim Goodes from Australia’s Murray Darling Basin Authority opened the session with remarks that set the stage for the discussion. Caroline Turner from FAO emphasized the need for better water management and allocation to support agriculture. 

Panelists from Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Thailand shared their experiences and solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and effective water management tools. The session underscored the growing prevalence of water scarcity in the Asia-Pacific region and the need for strategic allocation and robust water accounting systems to support sustainable water use amidst competing demands. 

Key outcomes of the session included increased awareness and collaboration among stakeholders, showcasing national successes and challenges in managing water scarcity, and promoting the sharing of best practices in water management across Southeast Asia. The session also highlighted various national and regional initiatives to tackle water scarcity and advocated for the broader use of water management tools to help stakeholders better understand and address competing water demands. 

The session aimed to raise awareness and promote sustainable water practices across Southeast Asia, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation to address water scarcity effectively.