IWHR Chief Engineer Gao Zhanyi headed a delegation to participate in the 1st Asia International Water Week, which was kicked off in South Korea on September 20, 2017, attending the opening ceremony, the 5th Asia Water Council Board of Governors’ Meeting, the presentation of Asia to World Statement, the 2nd General Meeting, the Water Project Forum and technical sessions. IWHR also coordinated 5 sessions under the theme of “Water and Climate Change”, organized one session and co-organized another session.
Under the theme of “Asian Solutions for Water”, the event attracted over 1,500 delegates from 69 countries and regions to take part in discussion and exhibition. Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister of South Korea and President of the World Water Council, among others, attended and addressed the opening ceremony.
On the opening ceremony, the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister of South Korea introduced the importance of protecting basins and improving water quality. Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do stressed Korea International Water Week and Asia International Week are both important platforms for sharing technology and knowledge. Mayor of Gyeongju called for stakeholders to solve water problems jointly. Public Works and Housing Minister of Indonesia gave an introduction to the demand for water cooperation. AWC President advocated cooperation and joint participation. WWC Board of Governors’ President introduced water challenges and expressed the hope that stakeholders would cooperate closely to present solutions and promote the sustainable development of water.
5th AWC Board of Governors’ Meeting
During the water week, the 5th AWC Board of Governors’ Meeting and the 2nd General Meeting were held to recall related work since the last Board of Governors’ Meeting and discuss members, financial operation, water project cooperation and related activities of AWC, and water issues of common concern. IWHR, an AWC Board Member, participated in the discussion.
Presentation of Asia to World Statement
In addition, presentation of the Asia to World Statement was held, where senior water experts from various countries were invited to exchange viewpoints on water issues, improve cooperation at all levels and agglomerate Asia’s joint commitment to the international community.
Technical sessions were conducted under the themes of Water and Climate Change, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Water Resources Management, Water-Energy-Food Nexus and Water for Ecosystems. IWHR is the coordinator of 5 sessions under the first theme, organizer of a session on climate change and water infrastructure and co-organizer of a session on climate change and ecological restoration.
