European Commissioner Sinkevičius co-chairs 2nd meeting of China-EU Water Policy Dialogue in Beijing
On 25 September, Commissioner Sinkevičius held with Li Guoying, Minister of Water Resources, the second meeting of the EU-China Water Policy Dialogue, in Beijing, China.
The dialogue showcased the commitment of both sides to address increasing water stress nationally, regionally and globally, and to continue collaboration on the issues of common interest, such as integrated water resources management, the water-energy-food-ecosystems nexus, water security, adaptation to the impact of climate change, flood risk and drought management, an effective deployment of nature-based solutions, and the use of disruptive technologies for efficient decision making.
Commissioner Sinkevičius underlined that “The whole world is now facing an unprecedented water crisis, exacerbated by climate change. Water is becoming increasingly scarce, at the very moment when society and the environment need it all the more”.
Bold commitments and actions are needed to ensure sustainable development and prosperity of people and the planet.
Together with Minister Li, he agreed to intensify policy dialogue on water, exchange knowledge and best practices on water reuse, flood risk and drought management.
Furthermore, the meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the successful EU-China cooperation during the March UN Water Conference, resulting in a Call for action on all partners to implement the conclusions of Interactive Dialogue “Water for Sustainable Development” and ensure the implementation of the Water Action Agenda – the key outcome of the UN 2023 Water Conference.
In this context, Commissioner Sinkevičius welcomed the recent resolution by the UN General Assembly on the follow-up of the UN 2023 Water Conference, which is considered a crucial step towards sorely needed regular intergovernmental discussions on water at the UN. He called for joint efforts to address the accelerating global water crisis, with the engagement of sectors beyond water and environment, particularly agriculture, energy and finance.