The 10th World Water Forum under the theme of "Water for Shared Prosperity" officially opened on Indonesia's island of Bali on Monday.
A number of country leaders and United Nations representatives attended the official opening ceremony.
The 10th World Water Forum focused on four topics, namely water conservation, clean water and sanitation, food and energy security, and mitigation of natural disasters.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo said in his opening remarks that in 2050, 500 million small farmers who contribute 80 percent of the world's food are predicted to be most vulnerable to drought.
"By gathering us in Bali today, Indonesia hopes that the world can join hands on an ongoing basis to strengthen the commitment to collaboration in overcoming global challenges related to water," he added.
World Water Council President Loic Fauchon, who also made a remark, said that water brings and unites people, but the planet earth has been damaged by people.
"And we are here because, aware of this tragedy, we want to repair it and give future generations hope, desire and serenity," he said.