The 18th World Water Congress kicked off in Beijing on Monday, with the five-day event themed “Water for All: Harmony between Humans and Nature.”

This is the first time China is holding the World Water Congress.

This year’s congress has drawn nearly 600 international delegates from more than 60 countries and regions: over 130 global organisations and water-related institutions and nearly 700 water resource professionals from China.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Li Guoying, China’s Minister of Water Resources, said the world faces increasingly severe challenges involving water disasters, water resources, ecology, and the environment.

Mr Li said it is significant to share ideas on water management, discuss good water management strategies, seek cooperation and development, and jointly contribute solutions to global water governance, focusing on the theme of the congress.

The 18th World Water Congress is expected to issue a Beijing Declaration at the closing ceremony.

The event is one of the largest congresses connecting water policymakers, researchers and policy practitioners globally.

The International Water Resources Association has successfully held this influential event 17 times in various locations worldwide before the latest edition in Beijing.

(Xinhua/NAN)