The 10th Hydropower for Today Forum with the theme “Green Hydropower Promotes Sustainable Development in Rural Areas” was successfully held in Hangzhou, China 22-23 May.
Moving forward, participants agreed to promote the high-quality development of hydropower, boost global economic growth and strengthen cooperation through South-South and triangular cooperation to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development goals, and work together to create a better future of peace, development and win-win cooperation.
“We come together with a shared purpose – to explore innovative solutions and forge South-South and triangular partnerships that can advance us toward sustainable development, particularly in the realm of renewable energy and hydropower,” said Ms. Dima Al-Khatib, Director of the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation. “In the Global South, small hydropower emerges as an innovative technological solution, offering clean and renewable energy alternatives, fostering rural development, mitigating climate change, and nurturing job creation. Through harnessing the natural flow of rivers and streams, small hydropower not only addresses energy access disparities, but also demonstrates environmental stewardship and empowers communities, thus significantly advancing sustainable development while building resilience for a future of equity and prosperity.” [Watch the full statement]
The forum was co-hosted by the Ministry of Water Resources, China, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and organized by the International Centre on Small Hydro Power, the International Network on Small Hydro Power, and PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation Limited.
Mr. Li Liangsheng, Vice Minister, Ministry of Water Resources (MWR), China; Mr. Gunther Beger, Managing Director, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO); Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe, Secretary General, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA); Dr. Dilip Subba, Vice Chancellor, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); and Ms. Lu Weili, Deputy Secretary-General of the Government of Zhejiang Province addressed the opening ceremony.
The Hydropower for Today Forum is an important international platform in the field of small hydropower, through which experts worldwide share policy experiences, technological development and lessons in hydropower development.
During the Forum, the Declaration of Hangzhou, the Case Studies of International Cooperation in Hydropower, and the Hello, Green Small Hydropower were released.
During the Forum, the Declaration of Hangzhou, the Case Studies of International Cooperation in Hydropower, and the Hello, Green Small Hydropower were released.
