Host : Water Policy Group
Presenters: Tom Soo (Water Policy Group, France)
Description
Water Policy Group has invited water ministers, national water agency heads and others with national water leadership responsibilities to share their experience, perspectives and opinions on water policy issues. National water leaders of 88 countries, from all global regions have responded. In partnership with the University of New South Wales Global Water Institute, the 2021 Water Leaders Survey has collected information on the key social, political, financial and structural barriers inhibiting better progress on water—as identified by the officials and leaders charged with responsibility for water management.
The session is the official launch the Global Water Policy Report. Session participants shall be amongst the world’s first experts to view the findings of the survey and gain insight into the perspectives of national water leaders on the: greatest water risks and challenges faced by countries; and the difficulties in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation for all and the pertinence of the Global Acceleration Framework. Ahead of the 2022 UN themed year on groundwater, the report shall also present leader’s views on the importance of groundwater and the problems that inhibit governments from its improved management.
Body
The sustainable management of water is persistently difficult to achieve, yet is necessary for success in health, education, food security, economic growth, environmental quality and adaptation to climate change. Water policy makers around the world face challenging issues that are constantly evolving. This complex policy landscape requires decisions that must adapt to uncertain conditions and draw from the best available information. However, why have governments not given water higher priority and more attention? What is it about water that makes progress so challenging?
The session brings together national and international water policy leaders and experts. It explores the results and emerging trends drawn from the world’s first ever Water Policy Report and Water Leaders Survey - on the perspectives and opinions of high-level leaders (Water Ministers/Vice- Ministers, Secretary/undersecretary-level officials holding the water portfolio, water agency/department heads) of national water policy on the real policy challenges faced by governments around the world.
The session also seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the real issues facing national water leaders as they strive to improve water outcomes at the national level. The Global Water Policy Report The session also aims to reveal insight into the perspectives of national leaders on the challenges of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (Sustainable Development Goal 6) and the United Nations SDG 6 Global Acceleration Framework.
Oral presentations