5th world water forum commences with un world water report release
More than 28,000 Attendees, Including State Heads, Assemble in Istanbul to Address Water Crisis
The 5th World Water Forum, a weeklong summit to push the worldwide water crisis onto the international agenda, convened today in Istanbul. The day commenced with an opening ceremony followed by the dissemination of the U.N. World Water Development Report.
With a focus on removing international borders and creating a united water community, the opening day of the Forum generated unprecedented energy surrounding the world’s water issues, drawing a record-breaking 28,000 attendees, including three princes: H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, H.I.H. Naruhito, The Crown Prince of Japan, and Willem-Alexander, Prince of Orange-Nassau; three presidents; five prime ministers; an estimated 90 ministers; 63 mayors; delegates from 156 countries and 148 parliamentarians. Other participants include United Nations representatives, as well as water professionals and activists.
During the opening ceremony, President of Turkey Mr. Abdullah Gul set the tone for the week with a message of positivity and determination to provide a future protected from today’s imminent water sustainability issues. The speech reiterated the Forum’s goal to raise global awareness, jointly develop common solutions to the world’s water issues and spur the world’s leaders to take action to improve management of the world’s water resources. “Our main goal must be to maintain an environment where we can mutually co-exist with all the living things on earth,” he urged.
Istanbul, the host city, is home to the Bosphorous, a critical and historical waterway that connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean. Considered a bridge between the Western and Eastern cultures, Turkey is the ideal location to bring awareness to worldwide water issues.
“Given Turkey’s strategic location and abundant natural resources, we are extremely proud to be the hosts of the 5th World Water Forum,” said Prof. Dr. Oktay Tabasaran, World Water Forum Secretary General. “From the energy I have seen here today, I have no doubt that our collaborative efforts will result in important milestones that will act as guidelines for all countries regarding water issues. A gathering of such influential minds in water issues is truly an honor, and we look forward to the week’s progress where we will set plans into motion that will affect the global water situation.”
Following the morning’s opening ceremony, the attending heads of state gathered for a global summit in preparation for the week’s agenda. The meeting led to a high-level appeal for action to governments around the world, citing water's importance and its role in society.
The day's appeal for action was further bolstered with the official release of the highly-anticipated U.N. World Water Development Report that focuses on the state of freshwater resources and the management challenges facing more than 25 countries. The report emphasizes the driving forces affecting the water supply: a global population boom and economic growth and climate change. It states that these forces must be addressed with effective global water management policies and warns that “unsustainable management and inequitable access to water resources cannot continue.” The analysis compiled for the report led to recommendations for action, including examples of best practices that leaders in all sectors could use as a guide to meet world water needs.
Afternoon sessions closed with an assembly of the World Water Youth Forum, a dynamic group of 16 to 26-year-olds from around the globe who are actively engaged in water-related issues. Throughout the week they will work together to learn from each other, exchange ideas and generate new forms of collective action for solving water-related problems.
During the next six days, the Forum will focus on four distinct objectives: emphasizing water’s importance to gain a spot on the political agenda; fostering discussions to solve international water issues; formulating concrete proposals and bringing their importance to the world’s attention; and generating political attention.
The week consists of more than 100 sessions. To establish these topics, the Secretariat invited an open contribution process through the Forum’s virtual meeting space (VMS) and website, which produced over 700 suggestions prior to the Forum. These were considered by topic coordinators for inclusion in the week’s schedule.
For more information about the World Water Forum, please visit www.worldwaterforum5.org <http://www.worldwaterforum5.org> .
