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| Sunday, 20 March 2005 |
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Junior Observer |
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News Business Features
Editorial
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World Water Council : The global 'Think Tank'
The idea of forming a World Water Council was first proposed in 1992 at the UN's International Conference on Environment and Development in Dublin and at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) organised a special session on the topic in its Eighth World Water Congress held in Cairo in November 1994. The Founding Committee of the World Water Council was formed, and had its first meeting in Montreal, Canada, in March 1995, and again in September 1995 in Bari, Italy. These two meetings defined the mission and the objectives of the World Water Council. The World Water Council was legally incorporated in June 1996 and its headquarters established in Marseille, France. The mission of the WWC is: "to promote awareness, build political commitment and encourage action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, to facilitate the efficient conservation, protection, development, planning, management and the use of water in all its dimensions on an environmentally sustainable basis for the benefit of all life on earth". The objectives of the Council are: * To provide a platform for a common strategic vision on water resources and water services management on a sustainable basis, and to promote the implementation of effective policies and strategies worldwide; * To provide advice and relevant information to institutions and decision-makers on the development and implementation of comprehensive pro-poor policies and strategies for sustainable water resources and water services management, with due respect for the environment, and social and gender equity; * To contribute to the resolution of issues related to transboundary waters. The Council's action for the triennial period (every three years) until 2006 is oriented in priority towards four areas that are meant to support and advance the water-related UN Millennium Development Goals. They are: Water, Human Rights and Politics Water, Institutions and Financing Capacity Water Services and Infrastructure Water and Environment
All the Council's activities are conducted through committees, working groups and task forces, under the responsibility of the Board of Governors. The Council draws on its wide membership with organisations throughout the world to inform the policy development process it carries out with leading political, scientific, technical and practical perspectives and knowledge. One of the major accomplishments of the Council is its contribution towards increasing the awareness of global water issues. The Forum is a unique platform where the water community and the policy and decision makers from all regions of the world can link together, debate and attempt to find solutions to achieve water security. *** Basic Facts Acting President: Loic Fauchon Membership : More than 300 members including public and private sectors, NGOs, UN agencies; a unique network representing over 50 countries. Headquarters : Marseilles, France |
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Water is a scarce resource that is essential to life. It is a global
resource. To manage water resources, a long-term vision is required,
priorities have to be set and sometimes hard choices have to be made. The
World Water Council (WWC) is an international organisation dedicated to
fulfil these tasks. The WWC is also known as the International Water Policy
Think Tank that improves the management of the world's water resources and
water services. 
A wide range of activities are carried out in order to achieve these
objectives, amongst which is the World Water Forum, but also dialogues,
including cross-cutting ones, monitoring programmes, workshops and
publications.