PPC IDEAS
E-Bulletin, Issue 27
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The 4th World Water Forum
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Summary
Forum Highlights
Background Information
New Ideas
Forum Opponents
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Summary
The World Water Forum, which took place March 16-22 in Mexico City , was covered by a number of news outlets and organizations. PPC IDEAS' staff has compiled some of the best articles and reports produced relating to it. It is clear from these articles that the tension between public and private ownership of water services in developing countries was the major source of controversy at this year's Forum. In addition, Forum opponents also were disappointed to find the Forum delegates side step the question of whether access to water is an “unequivocal human right.” See below for links to the stories and brief summaries.
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Forum Highlights
The 4th World Water Forum – Accomplishments and Highlights
Compiled by the International Institute for Sustainable Development, this document gives a run down of the Forum's presentations, keynote speeches and thematic issues discussed by participants. Major themes discussed included:
• Water challenges and perspectives in mega cities
• Governance as a key factor for water management in mega cities
• Capacity development strategies and social learning
International Institute for Sustainable Development. “World Water Forum Bulletin” March 21 st , 2006.
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Background Information
Quick facts on water usage around the world. Christian Science Monitor, March 22nd, 2006.
Opening the Tap for a Thirsty Planet
Highlights the challenges behind supplying clean water to people in developing countries.
Christian Science Monitor, March 22nd, 2006.
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New Ideas
Public Water for All – The Role of Public-Public Partnerships
A brief report touting the benefits of water delivery through the public sector and the possible reforms which could make water delivery more successful.
The Transnational Institute and Corporate Europe Observatory, March 2006.
A new report by the World Development Movement (WDM), released on the eve of the World Water Forum, sharply criticizes the privatization of water services in developing countries. Finding the private sector unreliable in delivering water services to the world's poorest peoples, the WDM calls for governments to give their public water utilities the right tools and support to do their job effectively. World Development Movement & Public Services International, March 2006.
As Experts Ponder World Water Crisis, Teenagers Show Creativity
At the Children's Water Forum, held in parallel to the World Water Forum, teenagers from around the world share their experiences in promoting better water usage and sanitation in their respective countries.
Christian Science Monitor, March 22nd, 2006.
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Forum Opponents
Annual World Water Forum Disappointing to Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous peoples from across the Americas expressed their frustration with the World Water Forum after Forum members failed to declare water an “unequivocal human right.” The Forum's final declaration instead stated that water is a “guarantee of life for all of the world's people.”
Indian Country Today, April 10 th , 2006.
Activists, Global Forum do not see Eye to Eye
Attacking the motivations behind the World Water Forum, organizers of the International Forum in Defense of Water (IFDW) say their Forum truly represents poor peoples' water interests around the water. IFDW supporters believe that the World Water Forum focuses too much on water privatization.
Inter-Press Service News Agency, March 17th, 2006.
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For more information about specific PPC IDEAS project activities, contact:
Dr. Ann Phillips, USAID/PPC
Melissa Brown, USAID/PPC
Dr. Dennis Wood, IRIS Center
The E-Bulletin is published by the PPC IDEAS Project at the IRIS Center.
Articles in this newsletter are for personal review only and should not be replicated without permission from respective content owners. |
