On September 15th, the 18th World Water Congress (hereinafter as “Congress”), jointly hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources of P.R. China and the International Water Resources Association (IWRA), successfully concluded. Experts, scholars, and delegates from 83 countries and regions, as well as 36 international organizations, gathered in Beijing to participate in this Congress. Wang Daoxi, Vice Minister of Water Resources, P.R. China, attended the closing ceremony of the Congress and delivered a closing remark of appreciation.

Jin Hai, Director General of International Cooperation, Science and Technology Department, Ministry of Water Resources, P.R. China, held the closing ceremony. Renée Martin-Nagle and Shi Qiuchi, the Co-chairs of International Scientific Committee of the XVIII World Water Congress, delivered the summary of the Congress and the announcement of “Beijing Declaration” respectively.

The “Beijing Declaration” was signed at the closing ceremony, calling on countries around the world to efficiently use and effectively protect water resources; encouraging innovation in water management principles, technologies, policies, and governance; striving for scientific decision-making in water resource management; contributing poverty reduction by resolution of water issues; promoting water science and enhancing water literacy; sharing experiences in water management and jointly addressing water challenges.

Signing of the "Beijing Declaration" for the XVIII World Water Congress.

Yang Derui, Director General of Water Resources Management, Ministry of Water Resources, P.R. China, delivered a speech on behalf of the host of the XVIII World Water Congress and handed over the Congress flag to the representative of the next Congress host.

Li Lifeng, Director of Land and Water Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations and Siddharth Chatterjee, United Nations Resident Coordinator in China, delivered speeches. Li Yuanyuan, President of the IWRA and Mr. Shen Fengsheng, President, General Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Planning and Design, Ministry of Water Resources of P.R. China, delivered closing remarks of appreciation.

During the Congress, a total of 4 High-level plenary Sessions, 36 Regular Sessions, 74 Special Sessions, 15 Side Events and more than 130 reports were held, focusing on 6 sub-themes, 44 topics. Additionally, more than 80 exhibitions related to the water area were organized.

The successful conclusion of the Congress has made a significant contribution to global water resources management and conservation, and has become an important milestone in achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.