Second Asia-Pacific Water Summit opened

The second Asia-Pacific Water Summit opened on May 19 in Chiang Mai province, Thailand , to seek answers to the world's drought, flood and wastewater problems.

Sunday, May 19, 2013 19:03

The second Asia-Pacific Water Summit opened on May 19 in Chiang Maiprovince, Thailand , to seek answers to the world's drought, floodand wastewater problems.

The summit entitled "WaterSecurity and Water-related Disaster Challenges: leadership andcommitment" has drawn over 2,000 political leaders, high-rankingofficials, water experts and engineers from 37 countries in theAsia-Pacific region.

“Today's meeting reflects thestrong joint efforts and the commitment of the Asia-Pacific countries inaddressing water security and water-related disaster challenges, whichaffect the lives of individuals, local communities, and societies at alllevels," Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, who chairsthe Water and Flood Management Commission, said in welcome remarks atthe opening of focus area sessions.

Sevenmajor topics were discussed at the sessions on May 19, includingEconomic, Food, and Water Security; Urban Water Security; EnvironmentalWater Security; Water-related Disaster Challenges; Household WaterSecurity; Water Risks and Resilience; and Integrated Water ResourcesManagement Process for a Water Secure World.

The Government of Thailand began preparations for the 2nd Asia-PacificWater Summit in November 2009. This Summit was originally planned forFebruary 5-6, 2012 in Bangkok , but was rescheduled to May 19-20, 2013in Chiang Mai because of the historical floods that devastatedThailand in 2011.-VNA

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