leaves for fifth World Water Forum in Istanbul
18 March 2009
South Africa, through the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF),
is participating in the fifth World Water Forum (WWF) in Istanbul Turkey from
16 to 22 March 2009.
Minister Lindiwe Hendricks is leading a delegation comprising senior
officials including the Director-General of the Department of Water Affairs and
Forestry to the forum this week. She leaves this evening Wednesday, 18 March.
Through its participation in this important global event, South Africa seeks to
enrich the international debate and to contribute meaningfully to discussions
leading towards resolution of water management challenges facing developing
economies. In addition the delegation aims to share with the world this
country's unique initiatives and to learn from the experiences of other
countries.
The World Water Forum is a triennial event organised by the World Water
Council. The theme for the fifth WWF is, "Bridging divides for water" and it is
intended through the forum to advance action to increase access to safe water
and basic sanitation and to improve resources management in order to address
the global challenges relating to water issues.
The forum will also serve as a platform for South Africa to market itself as
host country of choice for the sixth WWF in 2012. Our country is bidding to
host the forum and has been short listed together with France.
"I am confident we will win the bid, our country has a lot to offer the
world and hosting this forum will present an opportunity for us to share our
experiences on the global stage and to also learn from the experiences of other
nations in dealing with various challenges," Hendricks said.
During the forum, the minister is to participate in a high level panel
discussion on water and climate and she will also take part in a ministerial
round table discussion on the topic, making water a tool for development in
Africa and bridging the climate and water agendas.
Other members of the delegation are to contribute papers to discussions on
water for food and poverty eradication, water disasters, improving access to
sanitation, adaptation to climate change water for development in Africa and
interaction between fresh waters and coastal water.
Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
18 March 2009
Source: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (http://www.dwaf.gov.za)
