Marseille, Tuesday 22March 2011

By announcing formal recognition of four conference events as “precursor events” for the 6th World Water Forum, the Marseille-based Secretariate of the 6th World Water Forum joins the countdown to World Water Day 2011.

Four events have been recognized officially as “precursor events”. “Energy and Water: Partners in stress” (Abu Dhabi, March 27/28) is a two-day seminar organized by the think tank (Re)sources to explore linkages between water and energy, and, how coordinated and rational policies can greatly improve water availability and energy efficiency. The international forum for development and employment in essential services, “Defis Sud” (Paris, March 25/26) will introduce graduate students and entry-level professionals to the challenges and rewards of international public service.  The 24th European conference of the ICID (International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage), (Orleans, March 14/16) will assemble irrigation professionals and agricultural engineers from around the world to work on aquifer regulation, water quality and food security.  The ICID is also a member of the 6th World Water Forum steering committee. Public service education “From River to Sea…” will be at the heart of community efforts to memorialize sustainable development week (the Aix-Marseille School District, April 1/7) in this first ever collaboration between the Board of Education and public service providers.

International observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. By resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, the 22nd of March of each year was designated World Day for Water. In observance, communitiies around the world are invited to organize water-related theme events to build awareness for the critical role of water in public health and hygiene, recreation and economic development.

International Water Day 2011 is themed, “Water for Cities: responding to the urban challenge”.

Individuals, corporations, non-profit groups and public authorities around the world are invited to post community and public awareness events on the World Water Day website, www.worldwaterday.org. For more information or assistance in organizing your event, contact

Contacts
Aurore Sun: +33 (0)619 80 4267
presse@worldwaterforum6.org

Claudine Chilinski: +33 (0)6 38 13 1651
c.chilinski@worldwaterforum6.org