On speaking ahead of the May 18-24 event in Bali, the organization’s Director General Audrey Azoulay highlighted the link between water issues and climate change, and underscored the value of collaboration.

“In the face of increasing water scarcity and climate variability, it is crucial that we soar the level of international cooperation in favor of sustainable measures, and joint water resources management, as well as the training and empowerment of a new generation of water professionals,” she said in a statement.

According to UNESCO, political authorities, scientists and other actors from five continents will meet in Bali under the theme ¨Water for Shared Prosperity¨.

The aim of the forum is to establish a common global commitment to water availability and cooperation, the authority added.

The organization stressed the importance of collaboration between States on transboundary water issues.

In that regard, Azoulay highlighted UNESCO’s leadership in monitoring transboundary aquifers, with a valuable contribution to the identification of systems in 153 countries, including 468 aquifers and 286 rivers and lakes.

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