On December 1 and 2 in Paris, France, the OECD Global Forum on Sustainable Development hosted a meeting entitled “Financing and Pricing Water: the roles of government policies, the private sector and civil society.” Over 100 participants, including top-level and senior government officials from OECD and non-OECD countries, business leaders, and representatives from NGOs, civil society, intergovernmental organisations, international financing institutions, donor agencies and leading sector experts, participated in four different working sessions. In the context of the current financial crisis, Secretary General of OECD and Chair of the Task Force on Financing from the 4th World Water Forum, Angel Gurria insisted that it is even more important than ever to evoke development aid and financing for water and sanitation, precisely because of the crisis. President Loïc Fauchon participated in a high-level panel with Mr. Gurria, Prince Willem Alexander and Ministers representing various regions. The Panel concentrated on the concrete suggestions and recommendations that should be brought to the 5th World Water Forum and beyond. More information.
16 December 2008
WWC-OECD New Publication on Aid for Water Supply and Sanitation
A joint publication of OECD/DAC and the WWC, this report examines data on aid in support of water supply and sanitation over 2001-2006. It is based on donors’ reporting on Official Development Assistance (ODA) commitments and disbursements to the Creditor Reporting System (CRS) Aid Activity Database. Main findings will be incorporated in the OECD synthesis report Sustainable financing to ensure affordable access to water supply and sanitation that will be made available at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul.
01 December 2008
32nd Board of Governors
The Board of Governors of the World Water Council met in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, on November 26-27, 2008. Hosted by the Brazilian National Water Agency (ANA), the meeting focused primarily on the preparations for the World Water Forum in Istanbul, Turkey, March 16-22, 2009.
The board also formally accepted the candidacies of Durban, South Africa, and Marseille, France, to host the World Water Forum in 2012.
14 November 2008
IUWC presented at the World Urban Forum
The World Water Council and UN-Habitat co-organised a networking event entitled “Istanbul Urban Water Consensus: Mayors’ commitments” during the fourth session of the World Urban Forum, held in Nanjing, China, on 3 - 6 November. Held by the UN-Habitat every two years, the main theme of WUF4 was “Harmonious Urbanization: The Challenge of Balanced Territorial Development”.
The event aimed at bringing together mayors and/or Local Authorities representatives with organisers of the 5th World Water Forum in order to get an overview of challenges faced by Local Authorities due to global changes regarding water and sanitation issues; to brief participating Mayors/LA and Stakeholders about the 5th World Water Forum and its preparatory process and to present and discuss the draft IUWC.
During the event, chaired by Bert Diphoorn from UN-Habitat, a panel of 7 mayors from different countries (China, Afghanistan, Uganda, India, Pakistan, France, Senegal) presented challenges they face regarding water and sanitation issues. Participants showed lot of interest for the political process and present mayors expressed their will to support the IUWC.
27 November 2008
A conversation with Loïc Fauchon
WWC President Loïc Fauchon was invited by the CSIS (Center for Strategic & International Studies) to participate in a high-level roundtable discussion with leaders in the water policy community, on 27 October 2008. An occasion to present the Council and discuss preparations for the 5th World Water Forum. Read the summary of his remarks.
13 November 2008
Parliamentarians call for Helpdesk
More than 50 parliamentarians from all over the world gathered in Strasbourg, France last week to prepare the 5th World Water Forum parliamentarian process. Presented with the opportunity to share their legislative experience relating to issues such as adapting water management to global changes, the participants expressed difficulties to find relevant information. Quite often, when a legal text is in discussion, the information needs to be provided “in emergency”. The initiating of a helpdesk, hosted by and led by the World Water Council, therefore gained strong support from the parliamentarians. To find out more about the helpdesk, contact Laila Morsli.
12 November 2008
Saving Europe's Water - European Policy Summit on Water
WWC Director General Ger Bergkamp opened the European Policy Summit on Water, organized by the European Water Partnership and Friends of Europe on 5 November, with a speech highlighting the connection between the Summit and the 5th World Water Forum. Mr. Bergkamp stressed the importance for Europe to act globally and have a key role in positioning water in the political agenda: “The EU has something to teach to the rest of the world: how water can become part of the good life, the good life that EU citizens wish to enjoy but also other citizens around the world wish to enjoy. In that sense we can see that water is increasingly becoming an emblem of the fabric that would define the future of Europe in terms of cultural identity”.
Discussions brought up many important reflections on climate change, water management and financing as well as on water scarcity and droughts. The European Commissioner for the Environment Stavros Dimas joined the debate and expressed his sincere interest in the discussions. Visit the EWP website for more information.
3 November 2008
32nd Board of Governors' Meeting
Hosted by WWC Member, Agencia National del Aguas, the 32nd Board of Governors (BoG) meeting will be held in Iguassu Falls, Brazil, on 26-27 November. Principally focused on the preparation of the 5th World Water Forum, it will also be the occasion to gain further momentum for the five Expert Panels in which the WWC is involved (Water & Disasters; Water & Climate Change; Financing Water; Water & Sanitation; Water, Food & Energy). In addition, current activities of the WWC Headquarters will be reviewed, such as improving membership outreach and communication strategies. The BoG meeting will follow the Water Forum of the Americas event, an initiative of the Americas Regional Consortium, which will be held the two preceding days in the same location (more information on the Forum website).
17 October 2008
Water & Films Events Istanbul 2009
Entries for the International Water & Film Events have been extended to 2 November 2008. You have a few more weeks to submit your spot, documentary or fiction film under the theme of "Water, People and Sustainable Development". Download the new brochure, and visit the IWFE brand new website!
6October 2008
BBC World: World Water Council urges for smarter water management to tackle Spanish drought
Many in Spain looked for shade this summer while the country suffered its worst drought in 40 years. Spanish media described the situation as water wars when arguments over a diminishing water supply caused geopolitical tensions. In a recent BBC documentary - raising the issue over how Spain can continue to develop tourist complexes and golf courses while struggling with acute water shortages - the World Water Council explains the need for a smarter water management and a political will to make water a priority to invest in and care for. Watch the documentary here
16 September 2008
The floor is yours
Last week the 2700 participants at the IWA congress in Vienna had the opportunity to express their ideas and thoughts on some of the World Water Council's initatives in view of the 5th World Water Forum. Three informal dialogues were organised focusing on the Istanbul Urban Water Consensus; Adapting Water to Climate Change and Rural Sanitation Solutions. The experienced participants contributed to the progress through their insightful suggestions and thoughts. For more information on what was said, please send en email via the corresponding links.
4 September 2008
First Preparatory Committee meeting (PrepCom) of the Ministerial Process
Paris, France, 11-12 September 2008
The First Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) meeting of the Ministerial Process of the 5th World Water Forum will be held at the UNESCO Headquarters on 11-12 September 2008. The first in a series of four PrepComs, this initial meeting of government-nominated experts from all nations will set forth the issues that will be addressed by the Forum’s Ministerial Process, whose main aim is to prepare a Ministerial Agenda for “Water Management Adaptation Strategies for Global Changes including Climate Change/Variability”. A Ministerial Discussion Paper on the theme will be presented at the meeting to provide the basis for discussions and consultations on the best ways to confront global changes and their impacts on water resources.
The discussions will revolve around the 6 main themes of the Thematic Programme of the 5th World Water Forum. The meeting will further develop the Ministerial Discussion Paper into a Chairperson’s Paper to be presented at the Second PrepCom meeting in Geneva in December 2008.
26 August 2008
WWC Director General speaks at World Water Week Closing Ceremony
“Water is enjoying an increased political limelight and it’s also starting to connect to decision making beyond water,” said Director General of the World Water Council in his closing speech at the World Water Week in Stockholm on Friday. Looking back on past events and identifying current and coming trends, Dr. Bergkamp emphasized that the political engagement - long called for by the water community - is finally taking form and that water is increasingly recognized as a high priority outside the sector. It therefore seems ever so important to recognize that water events should not be conducted in isolation. Bridging each conference to the next one by letting outputs become inputs can finally create that water roadmap of change that is desperately sought by billions. The 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul 2009 is the next great bridge to cross towards change.
26 August 2008
World Water Council Informs Swedish TV Viewers about Virtual Water and Water Footprint
At the opening day of the Stockholm World Water Week, the World Water Council was interviewed on Swedish public television, TV4, about virtual water and water footprint. Explaining the concept and the importance of larger gatherings for water, such as the 5th World Water Forum, the WWC also suggested ways to reduce one's own water footprint. Watch the clip here (in Swedish!)
19 August 2008
WWC at World Water Week
The World Water Council is present at the Stockholm World Water Week, from 17 to 23 August, represented by its President, Loïc Fauchon and several Governors together with staff members. Various activities are planned, with the aim to further develop the programme of the 5th World Water Forum, to inform participants about the work of the World Water Council, and to establish and renew contacts with members, partners and the whole water community. More information on http://www.worldwaterweek.org.
5 August 2008
5th World Water Forum Sessions: Contribute now!
The call for contributions to the 100 Forum Sessions are now open! You will find on the page Get involved in developing sessions of the 5th Forum website all the necessary information on the procedure to submit your contribution, as well as the Contribution Form, to be filled in and sent back to the Coordinator in charge of your topic of interest. This Forum is yours; your participation can make it a success. Contribute!
16 July 2008
Water on the agenda of the first Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean
The World Water Council attended the first Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean, held in Marseille on 22-23 June, under the joined initiative of the Mediterranean Committee of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the city of Marseille, the Conseil régional Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, with the support of the Delegation for External Action of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This Forum aims to open a permanent space for debates, which enables expression and participation of the local and regional authorities of the Mediterranean in the relaunch of the Barcelona Process. The two-day discussions gathered in Marseille more than 500 decision-makers of the Mediterranean basin, which represented local and regional authorities from 22 countries. A Final Declaration (in French) has been adopted at the end of the Forum, and will be presented during the Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the EU and Mediterranean Countries, which will take place in Paris on 13-14 July 2008. In this document, the local and regional authorities of the Mediterranean notably commit to contributing to the resolution of the problems dealing with integrated water management and access to water and sanitation, in the vein of the Millennium Development Goals.
9 July 2008
Thematic Week on Water and Cities at Expo 2008
On 25-28 June, the World Water Council took part in the thematic week on Water and Cities held during the 2008 International Exposition in Zaragoza. Along with representatives from the World Bank and cities in Spain and Italy, the Council, represented by its Associate Director Daniel Zimmer, contributed to debates dealing with different water-related issues: water efficiency in cities, city models, urban landscape, the role of civil society, uncertainty and climate change, and the role of city networks. The thematic week ended with the discussion of the Istanbul Urban Water Consensus, in preparation of the Mayors’ commitment planned at the Istanbul Conference in 2009. The Istanbul Urban Water Consensus invites mayors and local government leaders to make a united commitment to carry out sustainable water management policies in urban areas; this is a unique opportunity to demonstrate the high priority of water on the political agenda of the world’s cities. Involvement of local authorities is of particular relevance as over half of the world’s population now lives in cities.
24 June 2008
Urban sanitation Workshop
WWC President Loïc Fauchon took part in a press conference at the opening of an international workshop on wastewater management in cities and urban sanitation, on 23 June. Organised by the Agence de l'Eau Seine-Normandie, the goal of the colloquium is to practically contribute to bringing solutions to the problem of sanitation. This colloquium falls within the framework of the International Year of Sanitation. Loïc Fauchon opened debates with a message entitled "When you push the door..." (in French), aiming to remind people that nowadays, 2.5 billion of the world’s inhabitants do not have access to systems of sanitation that ensure both basic hygiene and an appropriate level of privacy. He underlined that access to sanitation is a universal right, and consequently called for policies of sanitation for all, which must become a priority at the community, local and governmental levels.
23 June 2008
WWC Programme Director Joins the World Bank
A veteran in the Council, Paul van Hofwegen, is joining the World Bank in Jakarta, Indonesia. He will be working on development and implementation of water programmes that involve different Ministries, Local Authorities and beneficiary groups in Indonesia. As a Programme Director, Paul van Hofwegen has, for the past 5 years, taken the Council’s programmes to new levels. The Water Monitoring Alliance, Strengthening Local Authorities, Right to Water and the Financing Programme have all been developed under his supervision. Paul van Hofwegen has also worked intensely on three of the five World Water Fora. One of his latest projects involved coordinating the thematic process of the 5th World Water Forum integrating the innovative approach in the framework. “We thank Mr. van Hofwegen for his great and hard work at the Council and wish him the best of luck in his new position,” said the World Water Council Associate Director, Daniel Zimmer on Thursday.
17 June 2008
Spotlight on Expo 2008- Council Urges Solidarity and Political Will
After a flooding scare a couple of weeks ago, the city of Zaragoza confidently stepped onto the world stage this weekend with the opening of EXPO 2008. An inaugural ceremony with the Spanish king, Prime Minister Zapatero, President Calderon of Mexico and other representatives of the world, marked the commencement of three months’ focus on water. The President of the World Water Council, Loïc Fauchon, along with the Council’s Director General, Ger Bergkamp participated in the opening ceremony. Several Governors of the Council were also invited to take part in this event.
The more than 400 journalists, present at the site, had the opportunity to ask their questions to the Council in a press conference dedicated to better water management in the world. Mr. Fauchon underlined that solutions for water issues are nowadays more a question of political will rather than developing new technologies. Dr. Bergkamp called for solidarity while emphasizing the importance of each and one of us managing our own personal water footprint.
13 June 2008
The Union for the Mediterranean Project: What Progresses for Water and Sanitation?
The conference “Confronting the fresh water crisis in the Mediterranean Basin - What role for the European Union,” organised in Paris on 29 May upon the initiative of a young Political Science student in and under the patronage of the WWC, proved to be successful.
Daniel Zimmer, WWC Director, chaired the workshop titled “Which Agricultural Model for a Sustainable Water Management,” and provided an analysis of the experiences from various systems of agricultural production and of governance in the region, with the aim of presenting the existing options for a sustainable use of this resource. More information.
9 June 2008
A Water Resources Conference in Russia
On the occasion of ECWATECH 2008, WWC President, Loïc Fauchon, was invited to Moscow on 4-5 June, to speak at the opening ceremony of the Conference on “Water Resources systems Management under extreme Conditions”. This trip to Russia served as an occasion to present the Council and the 5th World Water Forum to the water community in the region and to make contact with Russian water-stakeholders and politicians. Mr Fauchon also took the opportunity to meet with present and potential members of the Council, and made a commitment to attend the conference organised for October 2008 that will gather representatives of Central Asia in Russia.
13 May 2008
WWC names new Director General
Mr. Ger Bergkamp has been appointed as Director General of the World Water Council, effective June 1st, 2008. Mr. Daniel Zimmer, who has served as Executive Director of the Council since November of 2001, will continue as Associate Director in charge of the Preparation of the 5th World Water Forum until June, 2009. Mr. Loïc Fauchon, President of the World Water Council, saluted the dedication and competence that Mr. Zimmer has brought to the Council since his arrival and thanked him on behalf of the Board for the work he has done. Commenting on Mr. Bergkamp’s nomination, the President evoked the experience that the new Director General brings through his past 20 years serving the water community. The international experience that he has acquired, particularly at IUCN (The World Conservation Union,) his knowledge of NGOs and the environmental sector, and his service as a WWC Governor since 2003, are all extremely valuable to the Council’s future and to the cause of water that he supports.
25 April 2008
International Discussions on Water Related Disasters
In view of increasing concern about disasters, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is organizing an international conference to mobilize stakeholders, raise public awareness, promote experience and facilitate cooperation for water related disasters. To be held on 27-29 June 2008, the Dushanbe conference is expected to incite discussions on the results of the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit, which includes the priority theme "Water Disaster Management". The World Water Council will be represented by its President Loic Fauchon, Governors and member organizations. For more information
2 april 2008
Host the 6th World Water Forum!
Does your country wish to host the next World Water Forum in March 2012? Express your interest now as the bidding process has been launched this month by the WWC.
For the next edition of the World Water Forum, the Government of any country, in collaboration with a city, are invited to demonstrate its capacity to organise such an important event. In order to be considered for the next steps in the bidding procedure, a preliminary expression of interest should be received by the WWC Headquarters in Marseille by 1 June 2008. It must be presented or endorsed by a representative of the central Government of the country concerned, at the highest possible level.
The Forum is not just an international conference. It is a three-year process involving a great deal of preparatory work on specific subjects taking into account the perspectives of multiple stakeholders from different regions. The thematic and regional preparatory processes help to propose concrete solutions to the main water-related challenges that the world faces today.
Delegations from 38 municipalities, including the Mayors of Zaragoza, Sarajevo and Rotterdam, convened in Istanbul on 21-22 March to discuss how to give greater priority to water at the local level, in particular in view of the 5th World Water Forum, which will be held at this time next year. Following an initial day of thematic panel presentations, participants were welcomed on the second day by the Minister of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Veysel Eroglu, the Mayor of Istanbul, Dr. Kadir Topbas, Forum Ambassador, Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, and WWC Bureau member, Mr. Jerry Delli Priscoli.
The main mechanism to create greater commitment for water by Local Authorities is characterized by the drafting of the Istanbul Urban Water Consensus, which was presented publicly for the first time during this meeting. In the coming months, comments will be received and integrated from mayors all over the world before signatures are collected and the document is presented during the 5th Forum, itself. Participants were enthusiastic about working together, learning from each other, and finding solutions to water supply and sanitation challenges for the benefit of their communities.
14 February 2008
2nd Thematic and Regional Coordinators Meeting for the 5th World Water Forum
More than 400 representatives from approximately 200 organizations gathered for the Second Thematic and Coodinators' meeting in Istanbul on 7-8 February. The two-day meeting provided an opportunity for different stakeholders, organizations and institutions to work together and develop plans for the preparation of particular topics. At the end of the meeting, the topic groups had all completed a report that framed issues, formulated topic questions, provided a list of session ideas and identified stakeholders. It also set up the next steps and provided an agenda for meetings as well as identified media interest.
On 25 and 25 January, the WWC Board of Governors convened its 30th meeting in Seoul, South Korea, where a warm ambiance reigned despite the chilly temperature outside. A majority of the meeting was dedicated to discussing preparations for the 5th World Water Forum and the Governors' involvement in those activities or in the Council's other programmatic areas. In addition, a selection procedure for the host country of the 6th Forum was established. On the administrative side, the Board reviewed the Council's financial situation for 2007, which was very healthy, and approved a provisional budget for 2008. It also discussed some organisational changes that would be implemented in the coming months. The next Board of Governors meeting will be held in June at the WWC HQ in Marseille.
4 February 2008
Seoul hosts the 2nd Panel on Water & Disasters
The participants to the second meeting of the High Level Expert Panel on Water and Disasters, held in Seoul on 28-29 January 2008, were warmly welcomed by Dr. Han Seung-soo, Chair of the Panel newly appointed Prime Minister of South Korea. The hosts of the event were strongly mobilised for this occasion, at the ministerial level as well as at the organisational level, thanks to the commitment of the Korea Water Forum. The recommendations from the Panel will be presented in a report aiming at advising and offering a plan of action to Politicians and Local Managers. Next meeting will be organised in Marseilles in June 2008.
20 January 2008
Contribute to the 100 Key Questions for the Water Community
What are the most important issues and debates that need to be put forward during the World Water Forum? The WWC and the Secretariat of the Forum are soliciting your input on what issues you think should guide the session debates in March. We have designed a questionnaire that will enable you to vote for the questions you feel is most pertinent as related to each topic and propose other questions that may be more relevant. The questions should be policy-oriented or action-oriented and must be as concrete as possible to allow for the provision of concrete responses. Read more about the questionnaire here or access the questionnaire immediately.
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