DOCSLIB.ORG

Forum's Goal: Safe and Abundant Water For

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Forum's Goal: Safe and Abundant Water For April 12-17, 2015, Daegu & Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea Water for Our Future http://eng.worldwaterforum7.org Sunday, April 12, 2015 Day 1 The Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), a government-owned corporation that manages the country’s water resources, opened the World Water Forum Pavilion Friday in Andong, North Gyeongsang, in anticipation of a successful World Water Forum. The forum opens a six-day run today in Daegu and Gyeongju. Lee Jung-moo, the chairman of the National Committee for the 7th World Water Forum, and Benedito Braga, the president of the World Water Council, attended the opening ceremony. See related story on Page 3. Forum’s goal: Safe and abundant water for all The world’s largest water management sanitation. These will be growing concerns urgent discussion topics for water-related The process is a venue to exchange cutting- meeting, the 7th World Water Forum 2015, in the 21st century,” said Lee Jung-moo, stakeholders, government, and business edge water-related technologies and opens its doors Sunday in Daegu and in chairman of the National Committee for the groups. Participants will design the 7th research results, with the goal of closing the Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, 7th World Water Forum. “The discussions World Water Forum’s overall implementa- technology gap between developed and Korea. Participants will discuss how to solve and progress in resolving water-related tion goals, a roadmap and detailed action developing countries. The most up-to-date water shortage problems, how to close the issues at the forum will become a turning plans. The action plans’ implementation technologies and research results will be gap in hygienic water availability between point for Korea to become a leader in the will be evaluated at the next World Water published in a white paper; key scholars and developed and developing nations, and how water industry and for Korean water-related Forum session, in Brazil in 2018. engineers in the field will receive World to develop technologies to achieve those businesses to expand abroad.” The regional process addresses immedi- Water Challenge awards, and CEOs of major goals. The United Nations’ Millennium Devel- ate water issues by continent and includes water companies can share technology and This year’s forum will include more opment Goals (MDG) project, a global reports on efforts made to solve those prob- business plans at the CEO Innovation Pan- than 35,000 people from about 170 coun- effort to alleviate poverty, will be coming to lems. This process also looks for coopera- el. tries, including national leaders, ministers an end this year, and the 7th World Water tive measures that can be fostered within a In conjunction with the four processes, with water-related portfolios, international Forum participants will discuss the lessons given region with an eye toward developing a water industry exhibition called Expo & organization and non-government organi- learned and assess the MDGs’ water-related joint action plans. Fair begins today at Daegu EXCO to display zation officials, business people and schol- achievements. Political and government officials, the latest technological trends in water ars. The conferences and other events will The 7th World Water Forum consists of including presidents, ministers, legislators management, processing, water-based be held at the EXCO Convention Hall in four processes – the thematic, regional, and local government heads, will gather at energy and infrastructure. Representatives Daegu and at the HICO Convention Hall in political, and science and technology pro- the political process to approve action plans, from water-related businesses and govern- Gyeongju. cesses – in which stakeholders and experts discuss required legal revisions, plan ment organizations across the globe will be The World Water Forum is the largest gather to discuss water issues and solutions. detailed schedules, and exchange policy seeking cooperative links. international meeting of its kind. It is spon- There will be citizen-participation forums information. At the final stage of the forum, Citizen-led programs, including panel sored by the World Water Council (WWC), and other ancillary exhibitions and cultural the political process nominates key water discussions, exhibitions and performances, an independent international organization events. issues and possible solutions to be discussed will he held at the Citizen’s Forum, under based in Marseille, France, which has orga- The opening and closing ceremonies, at other process meetings and also adopts a the theme of “Water conservation educa- nized the forum every three years since exhibitions, thematic and science and tech- ministerial declaration. For legislators, the tion and culture.” 1997. Korea is the second Asian country to nology processes, will take place at the World Water Forum offers a parliamentari- The forum includes many other pro- host the World Water Forum, which was EXCO Convention Hall in Daegu. The ans’ help desk that provides current infor- grams and exhibitions, cultural events held in Japan in 2003. political and regional processes and citizen mation on national and international water- including K-Pop concerts, and a water film “Water is one of the most basic elements forum are at the HICO Convention Hall related laws. festival to induce the forum’s foreign par- for survival but many people around the and the Hyundai Hotel in Gyeongju. The science and technology process is a ticipants and residents of the two cities to world suffer from water shortages and poor The thematic process focuses on the new session at this 7th World Water Forum. join the world’s largest water festival. 2 Sunday, April 12, 2015 Welcoming message from the WWC president Six days to secure “Water for our Future” Welcome to the 7th World Water Forum in Korea. munity has a clear understanding of what needs to be done, and we This week is the culmination of over two years of preparation will present an implementation roadmap that will express our com- and hundreds of meetings throughout the world. It builds on all the mitment to take action. previous editions of the World Water Forum and will focus on the We need to continue to reach beyond the boundaries of the water implementation of solutions to our global water challenges. The sector to our colleagues in the energy, environment, food, health and Political, Regional, Thematic, Science & Technology Process Com- other sectors. It is very pleasing to see that there is much cross-sec- mittees as well as the Citizen’s Forum Committee have done a fan- toral representation here at the 7th Forum. tastic job of bringing the most pressing water issues to the table for Reflecting the World Water Council’s multi-stakeholder vision discussion in Daegu and Gyeongju. Through this event we will take and organization,we are gathering with our distinguished hosts, the an important step to secure “Water for the Future.” Government of the Republic of Korea, the Province of Gyeongbuk, The 7th World Water Forum takes place during a vitally impor- and the cities of Daegu and Gyeongju, actors including government tant year for the global water community. We meet in Korea today, ministers, parliamentarians, industry leaders, technical experts, but we must keep an eye on the adoption of new Sustainable Devel- financiers, activists, and interested citizens.Water challenges cannot opment Goals by the United Nations in September, and we will end be addressed by one party alone but by all for all, in and out of the the year with a global climate agreement in Paris in December, in water box, at grassroots as well as at the highest decision-making which water is to be recognized as a major factor to reach consensus. level. With this in mind, we must invent our water future together and I wish you all individually and collectively a week of fruitful Benedito Braga present to a global audience a united front – the global water com- exchanges, securing “Water for our Future.” President of the World Water Council Welcoming message from the national committee chairman Tools in hand, we have solutions for water woes Welcome to the 7th World Water Forum. We are finally here the regional challenges and solutions found in the regional process, today, three years and five months after Daegu-Gyeongbuk was the innovative and sustainable action tools suggested by the sci- selected as the host for the 7th World Water Forum. ence and technology process, the bridging between policies and Since then, the Korean government and its partners have put execution of these solutions within the political process, and listen- forth every effort to make this forum a success by building upon ing to the opinions voiced in the citizen’s forum, we have paved a the outcomes of six past forums, including new legislation and the way forward together to make our united voice louder. organization of a national committee with several ministries. Our collective action will support water’s critical role in We can all be proud of ourselves for developing valuable solu- addressing many of the world’s most pressing problems, including tion tools for global water challenges and for providing clear direc- health, the environment, gender and human rights, climate change, tion to the international community. energy, food security and sustainable development. All of us are here today to lead joint actions for implementation Water will be more accessible to children in Africa and Asia, of the valuable tools developed over the past 18 years and in six and a balanced supply of water around the globe will bind the World Water Forums. regions of our world into a cohesive unit. We have encouraged every stakeholder to join this journey and We are all aware that water is at the core of sustainable develop- find one future – one with well-managed, accessible and clean ment, a theme that was also sounded in the United Nations’ “The water: “blue gold” for all.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • World Water Forum Launches Global Quest for Solutions to the World’S Water Issues: Marseille Kicks Off Preparation for the 6Th Forum in 2012
    World Water Forum Launches Global Quest for Solutions to the World’s Water Issues: Marseille kicks off preparation for the 6th Forum in 2012 • In developing countries, 80% of health problems are linked to inadequate water and sanitation. • In Africa alone, up to 5% of GDP is lost annually to water-borne diseases and poor sanitation. • One dollar invested in sanitation can save between US$3 to US$34 in medical costs and lost productivity. • Agriculture represents 70% of total water use, but 50% of food is wasted between farm and fork. Investing in food-chain efficiency is crucial. • 3 billion people depend on the sustainability of 263 river basins and hundreds of underground water reservoirs shared by several countries. Paris/Marseille, 2 June 2010. Over 400 ‘water leaders’ from around the world will gather in France from 3-4 June to launch the preparation for the 6th World Water Forum (Marseille, 2012). With over 2.5 billion people suffering water-related stress every day, solutions must come faster and at a larger scale then ever before. For that reason, the organizers of the World Water Forum are launching a world wide quest to find practical solutions to today’s water challenges. In Paris tonight, President Nicolas Sarkozy of France will celebrate the Kick-off by offering the decisive support of his country as the host of the 2012 event. The World Water Forum is organized every three years by the World Water Council, together with a host country and host city, counting regularly over 20,000 participants. Four hundred Kick-off participants, representing several dozen countries and organizations, will take part in workshops during two days in Marseille, to work on the global water priorities and to debate what targets can be set and achieved.
    [Show full text]
  • 8TH WORLD WATER FORUM Brasilia, 18-23 March 2018
    Briefing December 2017 8TH WORLD WATER FORUM Brasilia, 18-23 March 2018 “Sharing Water” This briefing aims at informing UCLG members on key background elements prior to the 8th World Water Forum due to take place in Brasilia, Brazil, from 18th to 23rd March 2018 UCLG and the issue of Water The Final Declaration of the UCLG Founding The World Water Forum is the world’s biggest Congress stated: “Access to sufficient, good water-related event and is organized by the quality water at a reasonable price must be a World Water Council, an international right for all, and requires both legislative and organization that brings together all those social measures to protect the least advantaged interested in the theme of water. communities.” It is crucial for UCLG to have a presence at this Although overall improvements in citizens’ major meeting in order to promote the local access to water and sanitation services can be government position on the local management noted on a global scale, there are still of water resources. UCLG’s participation will inadequacies in many urban areas, especially in make it possible to initiate a debate with informal settlements. This is especially the case national governments, corporate partners and regarding access to piped water, which could be leading international organisations on the seen as a minimum living standard for urban areas. Between 1990 and 2010, the number of Deadlines urban-dwellers without access to piped water grew by nearly 300 million. Registration to the Forum: 10th January 2018 (first deadline) UCLG has played a key role in mobilizing its 28th February 2018 (second deadline) members and defending the interests of local and regional governments at various World Sponsorship expression of interest: Water Forums (Mexico 2006, Istanbul 2009 and 30th January 2018 Marseille 2012, Daegu 2015).
    [Show full text]
  • Daegu-Gyeongbuk Water Action for Sustainable Cities and Regions
    Daegu-Gyeongbuk Water Action for Sustainable Cities and Regions Draft as of 14 April 2015 Local and Regional Authorities play a vital role in ensuring water security in a context where already more than half of the world’s population lives in urban areas, and urbanization is accelerating. At the same time water and sanitation services are lagging behind and infrastructure systems are often in dire need of repair or replacement. While the majority of Local and Regional Authorities is in charge of providing water and sanitation services for their populations, they are also responsible for a much broader palette of water-related tasks, including local economic development, provision of energy, ensuring adequate access to food, poverty reduction, environmental management, resilience to climate change and disasters, and addressing public health issues. Since 2006, Local and Regional Authorities have been joining forces to promote sustainable practices in water management through dedicated events at the triennial World Water Forums. In 2009, at the Fifth World Water Forum, Local and Regional Authorities endorsed the Istanbul Water Consensus, expressing their commitment to sustainable urban water management. Since then, over 1,000 Local and Regional Authorities from all around the world have signed the Consensus. Five months before final decisions will be taken by the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2015, it can be expected that the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will include several water-related goals, amongst them one which is specifically dedicated to water. If adopted they will open a new phase of strong commitment for the achievement of sustainable water management by relevant stakeholders at all levels and in all sectors, including for universal access to water and sanitation.
    [Show full text]
  • Facts and Figures About Water
    Facts and Figures about Water • 3 hours on average per day is spent by girls and women to collect water from distant sources (Source: WTN 2007) • 25% of the human population remains does not have proper access to water and sanitation (Source: WHO) • 42% of the world’s population does not have access to improved sanitation facilities (Source: UN) • 42% of households in 2002 had no toilets, and one in six people had no access to safe water. (Source: UNICEF) • 45% is the proportion of people living in countries chronically short of water by 2050 • 64% of the population can’t access hygienic sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa. (Source: UNICEF) • 66% in Latin America and the Caribbean have access to piped water through household connections. 49% in Asia, 24% in Africa (Source: UN) • 97.25% of the earth's water is not drinkable. (Source: The Economist) • 260 000 additional people need to gain access to improved water sources and an additional 370 000 people should gain access to improved sanitation in order to meet the water supply and sanitation target (WHO 2004, Facts and Figures). • 1.1billion people lack access to safe drinking water according to the UN • 2.6 billion people lack toilets and other forms of improved sanitation. (Source: Millennium Development Report 2005) • 5% of GDP in Africa is lost annually due to illness and death caused by dirty water and poor sanitation • 20% of children in poor countries do not reach the age of 5 because of infectious diseases provoked by poor water quality. (Source: UNESCO) • 39% reduction in diarrhoea episodes can be achieved through improving household drinking water (Source: UNICEF) • 50% of developing world’s hospital beds are occupied by parents suffering from water-related diseases at any one time (Source: UN) • 65% of deaths cause by diarrhoeal diseases can be reduced by the integrated approach of providing water, sanitation and hygiene.
    [Show full text]
  • A Brazilian Journey WORLD WATER COUNCIL - 2011
    A Brazilian journey WORLD WATER COUNCIL - 2011 INTERNAL DOCUMENT > 25 Sept. - 2 Oct. 2011 Several ministers, some governors, about ten senators and the same number of parliamentarians, countless meetings with NGOs, several mayors, professional organizations, enterprises, journalists, large audiences composed of thousands of people, 22 speeches and a lot of interviews, more than 5,000 kilometers travel- led within the country: this was the schedule of the official visit of the President of the World Water Council and his accompanying team when visiting Brazil from 25 September to 2 October 2011. Each of these meetings was characterized by an exceptional interest in all water issues. Water and global changes highlighted at the XIVth IWRA- World Water Congress Global changes facing water management were at the heart of the debates of the XIVth International Water Resources Association World Water Congress held in Porto de Galinhas from 25 to 28 September 2011. Invited to speak at the opening session, the President of the Council recalled that “in the face of global challenges and threats which weigh heavily today on water, the future of water not only depends on tech- nological progress, but also depends on political commitments.” The President of the World Water Council and Benedito Braga, President of the International Forum Com- mittee, moved by the performance of a young Brazilian pianist in the opening ceremony, invited her to come to the 6th World Water Forum next March for a concert benefiting a project on access to water in Brazil. This was also the occasion for Benedito Braga, Dogan Altinbilek, and Jun Xia to present in plenary session of about 800 participants, the situation regarding the preparation of the 6th World Water Forum.
    [Show full text]
  • 7Th World Water Forum Ten Major Outcomes
    7TH WORLD WATER FORUM TEN MAJOR OUTCOMES WORLD WATER COUNCIL REPORT “WATER FOR OUR RECORD FUTURE” ATTENDANCE THE 7TH WORLD WATER FORUM FOR THE TOOK PLACE AT A TURNING POINT AT THE DAWN OF A MINISTERIAL NEW SET OF GLOBAL GOALS FOR SUSTAINABLE PROCESS DEVELOPMENT. IT MARKS THE RISE OF A NEW PARADIGM IN CATALYZING POSITIVE CHANGE FOR A WATER-SECURE WORLD. Figures of the 7th World Water Forum OVER 40,000 ENTRIES FROM 168 COUNTRIES 10 WORLD LEADERS 121 OFFICIAL NATIONAL GOVERNMENTS DELEGATIONS More than 100 ministerial delegations participated in the Forum 80 GOVERNMENT MINISTERS 71 PARLIAMENTARIANS “Water is at the core of sustainable development. It is thus important to 95 LOCAL AND REGIONAL ensure both a stand-alone water goal and AUTHORITIES a comprehensive concept of water, energy 400 SESSIONS & EVENTS and food security as part of the post- 2015 sustainable development agenda.” 900 JOURNALISTS FROM Neven Mimica, European Commissioner FIVE CONTINENTS for International Cooperation and Development 7th World Water Forum The 7th World Water Forum met a record of participation The declaration also commits to ministers working within its ministerial process with more than 100 together to ensure a successful outcome at CoP21 in full ministerial delegations participating in the event. On recognition of the importance of water-related issues in 13 April 2015, the Ministers adopted the Ministerial climate change. Declaration, which was accompanied by a full set of recommendations from the international water The declaration also emphasizes the importance of community on how best to overcome today’s water science and technology’s role in moving from the challenges.
    [Show full text]
  • BUSAN KOREA Pioneering Global Water Solutions
    World Water Congress & Exhibition 16 –21 September 2012 Busan, Korea BUSAN KOREA Pioneering global water solutions Congress programme and exhibition catalogue Principal sponsors Institutional sponsors Platinum sponsors Welcome We are excited to welcome you to the 2012 International Water Association World Water Congress and Exhibition in Busan, Korea. Korea is the perfect setting for the IWA World Water Congress. The rain gauge was invented in Korea, and the country has developed it’s water service provision dramatically over the past 30 years. In Busan, you will have many chances to share and learn about global best practice, fundamental science, innovative research, policy developments and solutions to the challenges faced by water professionals worldwide. Glen Daigger IWA President As you would expect from IWA, the programme is high quality, stimulating and covers the broad and challenging issues faced by water professionals today. Our speakers, from top institutions and organisations around the world, will lead forward-thinking discussions. You will leave with a renewed sense of urgency, innovation and inspired thinking. You will be spoiled for choice at the congress, with over 200 sessions and workshops to choose from. You can either delve into your specialised subject or choose to widen the scope of your knowledge by attending sessions on other topics. This variety is complemented by over 700 poster displays showing new developments, research and practical case studies. We sincerely thank the Programme Committee and all the reviewers for contributing their time to developing such a comprehensive programme. Prof. Changwon Kim Congress President Remember, in between all the discussions, sessions and workshops, to visit the exhibitor stands.
    [Show full text]
  • PRESS KIT 7Th World Water Forum South Korea April 12-17, 2015
    2015: THE TIME FOR IMPLEMENTATION 1 PRESS KIT 7th World Water Forum South Korea April 12-17, 2015 1 2 2015 : FROM THE 7TH WORLD WATER FORUM IN SOUTH KOREA TO COP21 : CHALLENGES LIE AHEAD! Gr OWING NEEDS GROWING NEEDS EMERGENCY IES S STR OSE Y U RP IT ND U R I P U & IC C Y T + E S G S R E D E M O N O O E D +2-3 billion F people by 2050 Access tO DRINkiNG WATER AND SANITATION 1,8 2,5 billion million HEALTH people do not have people use water access to proper CONCERNS contaminated sanitation by faecal matter GeNDER INEQUALITY GENDER EMERGENCY INEQUALITY water collection CHOOL chores for women insecurity S and children no school for girls 3 POLLU TION AND DEGRADATION OF ECOSYSTEMS In developing countries, 90% of waste water LEFT UNTREATED DISAPPEARANCE OF 64% 100 000 ANIMAL OF THE EARTH’S WETLANDS SPECIES IN DANGER NATURAL DISASTERSNATU RANDAL D CLIISAMATESTER SCHAN AND GECLIMATE CHANGE EMERGENCY FLO DRO TSU STO MELTI ODS UG NAM RM NG G HT IS S L S AC IE R S 4 South Korea, the cities Daegu and Gyeongju will host the 7th World Water Forum from April 12 to 17, 2015. of Daegu and Gyeongju, All water stakeholders — from governments to parliamentarians, local and the Gyeongbuk province regional authorities, NGOs, users, intergovernmental organizations, public and private corporations, professionals, scientists and experts — will be present. and the World Water Council are organizing Since 1997, these Forums have become essential triennial events and have been instrumental in adressing the major water issues and challenges of the the 7th World Water 21st century : Forum.
    [Show full text]
  • OECD Water Governance Initiative WGI-Achievements-Ways-Forward
    OECD Water Governance Initiative OECD WATER GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE: ACHIEVEMENTS AND WAYS FORWARD March 2016 * * * This document takes stock of the first three years of activity of the OECD Water Governance Initiative (WGI) launched in March 2013, and suggests ways forward. The paper builds on the results from a satisfaction survey carried out in May 2015 among members of the WGI, as well as a one-day brainstorming session of the Steering Committee of the WGI to draw lessons from results achieved and areas where there is room for improvement. An earlier version of this document was discussed at the 34th meeting of the Regional Development Policy Committee (4-5 November 2015). This version includes written comments received from RDPC delegates afterwards. 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................................................ 3 WHERE DOES THE WGI COME FROM? ............................................................................................... 4 WHO DID THE WGI WORK WITH? ....................................................................................................... 4 HOW DID THE WGI WORK? .................................................................................................................. 6 A three-tier and thematic approach ........................................................................................................ 6 A bottom-up approach ...........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Outcomes of the 5Th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009
    5 1. Summary Introduction 9 2. Istanbul Declaration of Heads of States on Water 11 3. Istanbul Ministerial Statement 15 4. Istanbul Water Guide 33 5. Ministerial Roundtable Reports 48 6. Parliamentarians for Water Statement & Helpdesk document 51 7. Istanbul Water Consensus and list of signatories and champion cities 59 8. Thematic Outcomes, based on a collection of commitments, initiatives and proposals 67 9. Regional Outcomes 103 10. Children’s Declaration 105 11. Youth Declaration Outcomes of the 5th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009 Water is at the heart of today’s global challenges, including rapid population growth and mass migration, the effects of the financial crisis on infrastructure investment and the impacts of climate change and variability on development. The World Water Forum is a key factor in our collective response--as a global water community--to addressing these challenges and finding solutions that work for the benefit of all. This publication represents a compilation of the collective action of thousands of participants leading up to and during the 5th World Water Forum, held in Istanbul, Turkey, 16-22 March 2009. It will provide a benchmark for continued progress. Istanbul Declaration of Heads of States on Water action to be implemented to improve water security and management at all levels. It was inspired by about 30 For the first time in the Forum’s history, Heads of international declarations and was developed with the States/Governments from a number of selected countries contributions of thematic and regional coordinators and met and launched a broad-based Appeal for Action, a call representatives of major groups.
    [Show full text]
  • 5Th World Water Forum in Istanbul”
    No.35 – May 2008 World Water Council WWC News Update Editorial The catastrophe from which Burma is still reeling inspires feelings of both sadness and regret. Sadness for the death and the grief of a decimated population and a devastated country, and because a people’s suffering cannot be eased when faced with the destructive force of nature. cc creativecommons.org Regret at the silence and indifference of the Burmese authorities, who refuse the helping hands of the entire planet. Regret when considering this Focus on disregard for human life, which has resulted in such a tragic waste. This catastrophe must encourage us to increase our Food Crisis, water crisis efforts to improve the prevention of water-related disasters. It must also lead us to reinforce our While an unprecedented food crisis is affecting the capacity to evaluate the effects of such disasters. whole world, it is surprising to observe that very few experts, very few media link this crisis to the water This is the very essence of the mission entrusted crisis. by Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, to a few organizations, including the World We might see the reason for this in the message Water Council, brought together in the form of a that the water community has been repeating group of experts. continuously over the last years: “the water crisis is mainly a crisis of governing.” In Marseilles, on June 9 and 10, this group of experts will come together to prepare simple, concrete Water is certainly not the only cause of the crisis, proposals, which can be easily implemented by all, but the difficulties in its mobilization for agriculture so that water-related catastrophes are no longer explain the increase of international food just misfortune, but also an expression of solidarity exchanges, within a context of strong economic shared between the citizens of the world.
    [Show full text]
  • 20 March 2018 the 8Th World Water Forum Unites World Leaders and Thousands of Experts To
    The 8th World Water Forum unites world leaders and thousands of experts to mark World Water Day - Co-organized by the World Water Council and the Government of Brazil, the 8th World Water Forum gathers over 10 Heads of State, upwards of 100 Ministers, Parliamentarians and Mayors and thousands of water and sustainable development experts and global citizens in Brazil to commemorate World Water Day on 22 March. - By 2025, half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed areas. - 80% of countries report insufficient funding to meet national drinking water targets. - More than 840 million people worldwide, or 1 in 9, do not have access to safe drinking water, and 2.3 billion, or 1 in 3, lack access to a toilet. World Water Council, 19 March 2018 – More than 840 million people worldwide, or 1 in 9, do not have access to safe water, and 2.3 billion, or 1 in 3, lack access to a toilet. “Around the world, more people have mobiles phone than toilets,” explains Matt Damon, water activist and actor. In a global effort to avoid widespread water crises and to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation globally, the World Water Council organizes the 8th edition of its World Water Forum, which is taking place in Brasilia from 18 – 23 March, coinciding with World Water Day. More than 10 Heads of State, including the President of Brazil, Michel Temer, President of Hungary, János Áder, President of Senegal, Macky Sall, South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yeon, alongside CEOs of fortune 500 companies, among many others, have travelled to the Brazilian capital to participate in high-level panels and more than 200 sessions, where the future of water security will be mapped out for the next three years.
    [Show full text]