Geneva Water Hub at the Bandung Summit: Key Highlights and Call to Action

Setting the Research Agenda Brief and commentary

We are pleased to report the success of the Bandung Spirit Water Summit during the World Water Forum in Bali in May 2024. The Water and Peace session was particularly impactful, featuring important and challenging discussions.

Our Political Advisor, Danilo Türk at the Bandung Spirit Water Summit, May 2024.

Our Lead Political Advisor, Danilo Türk alongside our specialists Tadesse Kebebew and Laura Turley, PhD addressed critical issues, including water in armed conflict, and highlighted the dire situations faced in Palestine, and also Syria, regarding water systems. The session also explored lessons from the 1955 Bandung conference and the continued relevance of its principles such as mutual recognition, respect, and tolerance for diversity.

The summit concluded with a strong Call to Action, which includes:

- Banning the use of water as a weapon
- Organizing summits for Heads of State on transboundary water cooperation
- Establishing and enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks for water cooperation globally

Former and present heads of state were among the attendees and panelists:
- H.E. Dr. Han Seung-soo, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea
- H.E. Prof. Danilo Türk, former President of Slovenia
- H.E. Ms. Laura Chinchilla, former President of Costa Rica
- H.E. Mr. János Áder, former President of Hungary
- H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
- H.E. Ms. Michelle Bachelet, former President of Chile
- H.E. Ms. Chandrika Kumaratunga, former President of Sri Lanka
- H.E. Mr. Moussa Mara, former Prime Minister of Mali

Representatives from the civil society were also among the attendees and panelists:
- Ms. Lidia Brito, Assistant Director General, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO
- Mr. Alan AtKisson, Executive Secretary & CEO, Global Water Partnership
- Dr. Laure Tall, Research Director, Initiative Prospective Agricole et Rurale (Ipar) and Associate, Pôle Eau Dakar
- Ms. Moina Alhajji, World Youth Parliament for Water, Bali Youth Plan
- Ms. Lamis Qdemat, World Youth Parliament for Water, Bali Youth Plan

We believe in the value of the Bandung Water Spirit Summit and urge all global leaders to join the Call for Action and secure water peace and equity for all.

Let's unite for water, for peace, and our shared future.