When the United Nations General Assembly opened its 66th session this September in New York, water scarcity and its interrelated issues of climate change and drought, global security and sustainable development were a top priority.
On September 16, 2011, the International Water Forum at the United Nations convened world leaders, academics, non-governmental organizations, and private sector representatives to take the first step toward organizing a worldwide education and awareness campaign on the global water crisis.
Two morning panels discussed the myriad water issues in the United States as well as water challenges on a global level with the goal of raising worldwide awareness on the use and limitations of today’s water resources. The afternoon panels channeled the outcomes of the morning’s sessions into developing a worldwide education campaign on water issues of the 21st century.
The forum joined policy makers and experts from industry, academia, and non-governmental organizations to work together on generating significant public awareness on today’s water issues with the aim of spurring meaningful reaction around the globe to find sustainable solutions to today’s water challenges. Subsequent anticipated and encouraged actions will likely be in the form of action plans, new policies, expanded media coverage, and the development of viable solutions for addressing the evolving water crisis.
The International Water Forum at the United Nations was organized by The Chronicles Group and Energy & Water Institute of New York, World Water Organization, and WaterAid America. The conference was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, NY.
More than 500 individuals participated in this conference. Participation was free of charge. Those unable to attend followed the event on the web.
Click to download the Water Forum Summary Report
Click to watch Mary Ann Dickinson, AWE President and CEO, speaking at the Forum
Click to watch Carole Baker, Chair of the AWE Board, speaking at the Forum
Click to watch the complete videocast of the Forum