The 1,000 signatories of the Istanbul Pact exceeded

On 1400 participants from 60 countries, over 500 local elected officials, including 250 mayors, governors and presidents of public authorities, are much more present than in previous forums on the process of local and regional authorities (LRA). The mobilisation of international associations, including UCLG, is the main reason.

In 2006, the Mexico Forum has allowed to consecrate local authorities as the relevant level for water services and sanitation management. The Istanbul Forum in 2009 went even further through the creation of the Istanbul Pact that allows LRA to commit to the principles of sustainable management of water resources but also on quantified and verifiable targets.

LRA have the opportunity to discuss on various themes and benefit from best practices of local authorities present in Marseille. Water is a strong cultural element, inseparable from the issue of governance. The inclusion of this dimension, often overlooked, is one of the success factors of a smart and participative water policy. Finally, solidarity and cooperation are a great way to improve and accelerate access to safe water and sanitation. We will address this matter and others in terms of solutions. This is both our roadmap and our responsibility.

Rio+20 approaches. LRA are increasingly present and active in international debates on sustainable development. Their voice carries farther. Governments have understood this, and have enrolled their major role in the Ministerial Declaration of this 6^th Forum.
 
The water, global issue, calls for local solutions. Tomorrow and after tomorrow, the local authorities will show that they have more than a role to play, they have solutions and they are a part of the solution to water challenge.

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