|
|
Top Experts from 140 Countries to Assess Global Progress on Key Water Challenges of the 21st Century |
|
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, Aug. 8 -/E-Wire/--
At a time when billions of people are without sustainable access to safe drinking water or suffering ill health due to poor sanitation, when bioenergy demands are diverting water from food production, and when global climate change is affecting the overall water balance, the 2007 World Water Week in Stockholm will gather 2500 top experts from August 12-18 to chart water sustainability initiatives that improve lives and protect the environment.
|
The conference, which has an overall theme of "Progress and Prospects on Water: Striving for Sustainability in a Changing World," takes place at the Stockholm City Conference Centre and will address a wide variety of critical water-related topics. Climate, sanitation and hygiene, water management, ecosystems and biodiversity, technology and business issues are prominent programme focal points throughout the week.
|
Leading professionals from business, government, water management, science, inter-governmental organizations, NGOs, training institutes and United Nations agencies will participate. Over 140 organizations are involved as co-convenors of the event together with the Stockholm International Water Institute, and a number of new reports will be released and announcements made.
|
Top Speakers
|
The opening day, August 13, features top expert speakers and a high-level panel on climate change. Speakers include:
|
H.E. Mr. Fredrik Reinfeldt, Prime Minister of Sweden
|
H.E. Dr. Anna Tibaijuka, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
|
Dr. Monirul Mirza, Coordinating Lead Author (CLA), IPCC's Synthesis Report, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
|
Ms. Kristina Axandeacute n Olin, Mayor of Stockholm
|
Prof. Perry L. McCarty, Stanford University, California, USA
|
Ms. Margaret Catley-Carlson, Chair, Global Water Partnership (GWP), United Nations Secretary-General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB)
|
Dr. Vaclav Smil, Distinguished Professor, University of Manitoba, Canada
|
Mr. Joe Madiath, Executive Director, Gram Vikas, India
|
Mr. Anders Berntell, Executive Director, Stockholm International Water Institute
|
|
The high level panel of distinguished experts will discuss climate, water and vulnerability. The panel will elaborate on and discuss possible ways forward to prevent vulnerable regions and poor people from even further damage from changed hydrological patterns and decreased quantity and quality of water provided for livelihood and sustainable development. Panellists include:
|
H.E. Mrs. Lindiwe Hendricks, Minister, Water Affairs and Forestry, South Africa
|
Prof. Jandouml rg Imberger, University of Western Australia
|
Colin R. Sabol, Vice President - Marketing and Business Development, ITT Fluid Technology, ITT Corporation, USA
|
Ms. Sunita Narain, Director, Centre for Science and Environment, India
|
H.E. Ms. Romina Picolotti, Minister of Environment, Argentina
|
Mr. Kevin Watkins, Director, Human Development Report Office
|
Top Honours
|
The World Water Week in Stockholm will also be the venue to celebrate the accomplishments of those whose outstanding efforts are already improving the water environment, bringing water and basic sanitation to those in need, and increasing our knowledge of water through groundbreaking research. The Stockholm Water Prize, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Stockholm Industry Water Award and Swedish Baltic Sea Water Award will all be presented.
|
The Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is a policy institute that contributes to international efforts to find solutions to the world's escalating water crisis. SIWI advocates future-oriented, knowledge-integrated water views in decision making, nationally and internationally, that lead to sustainable use of the world's water resources and sustainable development of societies.
|
Both a Press Kit and
|
Final Programme are available online. Contact Info:
|
David Trouba
|
Communications Director
|
SIWI
|
Tel : +46 8 522 139 89
|
E-mail: dave.trouba@siwi.org Website : Stockholm International Water Institute
|
