World Lake Day Initiated By Indonesia Supported And Adopted By The United Nations

JAKARTA - Lake Sedua Day (World Lake Day) which was initiated by Indonesia at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali in May 2024, received full support and will be adopted at the 79th UN General Assembly (SMU) Session in the second week of December 2024.

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Friday said this was a tangible manifestation of Indonesia's strategic steps in strengthening the water diplomacy agenda at the global level, as well as a commitment to advancing the management of world water resources.

The Director General of Multilateral Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tri Tharyat, said that this success was not only a achievement of diplomacy, but also a step forward in raising awareness of the importance of lake management and preservation.

"The determination of World Lake Day through fairly long and intense negotiations and we hope that it will be a momentum for the world to evaluate and encourage the lake management program, as well as increase joint efforts to preserve lakes for future generations," explained Ambassador Tharyat, in a statement from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Friday, December 6.

The World Lake Day Resolution Draft received broad support from UN member countries, including co-sponsorship support from 14 countries, namely Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bolivia, Congo, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Namibia, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Tanzania, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

This success reflects the multilateral cooperation that is still relevant, as well as recognition of Indonesia's role in advancing the issue of water resources at the global level.

This achievement is a clear proof of the success of Indonesian water diplomacy in the international arena, including in realizing the commitment of the Indonesian Government in the 10th World Water Forum in Bali in May 2024.

World Lake Day will be celebrated every August 27 which is the date for The 1st World Lake Conference in 1984.

With this history, this annual commemoration is expected to serve as a collective reminder of the importance of lake management and preservation as one of the vital water resources.

The determination of World Lake Day can also be a global forum for sharing experiences, innovations, and strengthening shared commitments in preserving lakes as an important part of the world's ecosystem and water resources.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Indonesia will continue to be committed to fighting for water issues and encouraging sustainable development in various international forums.