Distinguished guests,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning!

On behalf of the United Nations Development Programme in China, I am delighted to join you today here in Chenzhou.

Water is a vital natural asset and is one of our most valuable resources, essential for public health, food security, inclusive economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

The recent United Nations water conference held in March was the first in almost five decades.

It served as a call to action, a reminder that the escalating water crises demand our immediate action.

The stark realities painted by statistics emphasize the gravity of our present situation, especially in the Asia Pacific region.

As highlighted in a recent UN report, among the multiple water-related challenges that exist, increasing water scarcity is one of the main concerns for our region. 
 
With 60 percent of the global population residing in the Asia-Pacific region, its share of global water resources stands at merely 36 percent, making its per capita water availability the lowest in the world.[1]

As one of the world's most disaster-vulnerable areas, the Asia-Pacific region's key economic pillars, such as agriculture and energy, are largely dependent upon a reliable supply of freshwater.

Currently, irrigated agriculture utilizes about 85 percent of extracted groundwater in most Asian countries.[2]

Over the coming decade, water over-utilization will likely intensify as the population in the region continues to grow significantly.

As we confront these challenges, the clock is ticking with just 7 years left to fulfill our commitments to the SDGs.

The urgency for immediate and collaborative action has never been more critical.

We must set out on a radical transformation, forging a better future for both humanity and the planet.

As one of the world's key economic players, China plays an important role in advancing actions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

China has helped advance the 2030 agenda domestically through initiatives, such as establishing the National SDG Innovation Demonstration Zones.

These endeavors can not only achieve sustainable development and the SDGs domestically but can also be used as a reference for others through sharing its lessons and best practices.  

Chenzhou’s geographical significance demonstrates the importance of sustainable water management.

Located at the crossroads of the Yangtze River and Pearl River watersheds, Chenzhou plays a crucial role in maintaining water security for its region and beyond.

As a National SDG Innovation Demonstration Zone centered on the theme of "Sustainable Water Resource Utilization and Green Development", Chenzhou’s actions can impact the sustainability and water management efforts of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Chenzhou's efforts in sustainable development not only can enhance its local well-being but also showcase China's innovation capabilities.

Chenzhou’s “Water Cube” Model with its 8 facets of water co-governance including water governance, water ecology, water resources, water security, water industry, water culture, water technology, and water management is a step in the right direction and an example of integrated water resources management that can directly contribute to the SDGs. 
 
The model underscores Chenzhou's commitment to a holistic approach to efficient water management, water pollution control, and economic progress.

This endeavor aligns with the core of the SDGs, particularly Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation -, and other water-related SDGs.