ikon v2.indd 1 07.08.2009 10:28 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This report was made possible by the hardworking staff of the 5th World Water Forum Secretariat, coordinated by Ayşen Nergiz. Many thanks go to all focal points who have made significant contributions by summarizing and reviewing their own sections. George Jacques and Colin Herron have edited the report. Terry Hardt, Lindy Wolner and Daniel Zimmer have also reviewed the contents. Their comments led to significant improvement in the report’s substance. IISD has once again provided excellent reporting and photography service. Their diligent work supported our efforts in producing the Forum’s outcomes. İsmail Gorkem Ozkan and Pab Mimari Tasarim have done a great job in its design and overall presentation. IKON Events team have assisted in the report’s publication along with Promat Basım Yayın A.Ş. Without their assistance, timely publication of the book would not have been possible. Last but not least, our thanks go to our executive office, sponsors and supporting organizations who have supported the Forum. ikon v2.indd 2 07.08.2009 10:28 TABLE of CONTENTS 1. Messages............................................................................................................................................. 4 2. Overview of the Forum........................................................................................................................ 10 3. Thematic Process................................................................................................................................ 14 Theme 1................................................................................................................................................... 15 Theme 2................................................................................................................................................... 26 Theme 3................................................................................................................................................... 39 Theme 4................................................................................................................................................... 50 Theme 5................................................................................................................................................... 62 Theme 6................................................................................................................................................... 68 4. High Level Panels................................................................................................................................ 82 5. Political Process.................................................................................................................................. 88 Heads of States Summit............................................................................................................................. 88 Ministreal Process...................................................................................................................................... 89 Parliamentarians Process............................................................................................................................ 97 Local Authorities Process............................................................................................................................ 99 Local Authorities and Parliamentarians Dialogue ....................................................................................... 102 6. Regional Process................................................................................................................................. 104 Africa........................................................................................................................................................ 105 America.................................................................................................................................................... 106 Asia-Pacific............................................................................................................................................... 107 Europe...................................................................................................................................................... 108 Middle East and North Africa/Arab Countries............................................................................................. 109 Mediterranean ......................................................................................................................................... 110 In and Around Turkey ............................................................................................................................... 111 7. Civil Society and Major Groups........................................................................................................... 112 Women................................................................................................................................ .................... 113 NGOs....................................................................................................................................................... 115 Workers and Trade Unions......................................................................................................................... 117 Business and Industry ............................................................................................................................... 117 Farmers..................................................................................................................................................... 118 Speaker’s Corner....................................................................................................................................... 119 Children’s Forum....................................................................................................................................... 121 Youth Forum............................................................................................................................................. 122 Water Fair................................................................................................................................................. 123 8. EXPO & Water Fair..............................................................................................................................128 9. Green Forum Initiative........................................................................................................................ 130 10. Artistic Events..................................................................................................................................... 134 11. Prizes ................................................................................................................................................. 138 12. Side Events..........................................................................................................................................140 13. Media and Communications ............................................................................................................... 160 14. E –Forum ........................................................................................................................................... 162 15. Publications ....................................................................................................................................... 166 16. Annex .............................................................................................................................................. 168 ikon v2.indd 3 07.08.2009 10:28 Abdullah GÜL PRESIDENT of TURKEY In March 2009, the international water community assembled in the magnificent city of Istanbul, where continents, cultures and civilizations meet. The 5th World Water Forum was an opportunity for over 30,000 participants from 185 countries to exchange experiences and ideas through open and all-inclusive dialogue in view of “Bridging Divides for Water”. Assuring universal access to safe drinking water and sanitation is, with no doubt, one of the most challenging items on the world’s agenda. Moreover, water scarcity compounded by declining quality is a vital issue that confronts many people and ecosystems in our planet. In addition to the negative impacts of the climate change and other global changes on water resources, their unsustainable use and mismanagement are aggravating the worldwide water situation. In this context, the 5th World Water Forum mobilized a wide range of stakeholders in order to seek solutions to the challenges relating to water with the help of their cumulative experience and with their motivation for coordinated impetus and action. It is our earnest conviction that the messages and recommendations from Istanbul will facilitate the efforts towards global water security and sustainable development. Hence, I wish to express my gratitude to all individuals, institutions and organizations for their dedication and invaluable contributions to the success of the 5th Forum. For the first time in Istanbul, the World Water Fora hosted a number of Heads of States and Governments together with some high level representatives of International Organizations. The outcome of this meeting, the Istanbul Heads of State Declaration on Water, called on all nations to join efforts in order to develop a global framework for addressing