The seventh World Water Forum began in Daegu on April 12. It will run through April 17 in both Daegu and Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang Province). Titled, "Water for Our Future," participants in the forum will discuss possible solutions to the world's current water problems. The opening ceremony on April 12 was attended by President Park Geun-hye and some 200 national leaders and activists from across 170 countries.
During the opening address, President Park emphasized the need for participation and contributions from the international community to utilize innovative science and technology to ease water-related conflicts worldwide and to move forward into an era of reconciliation and cooperation.
She continued to say that, "We plan to create a dialogue channel for the co-management of rivers passing through the two Koreas. During this forum, participants will present solutions for global water-related challenges, through which we will bring forward a peaceful world."
President Park also noted that most water-related conflicts tend to occur along waterways shared by a number of regions. It's important to manage such shared waterways more wisely, she emphasized.
She also said that, "The 20th century was often referred to as an era of 'black gold.' The 21st century, however, will be an era of 'blue gold,' represented by water. Both developed and developing economies should approach the problem as a new opportunity for economic growth." She went on to say that water-related issues cannot be solved by specific regions alone, but only by the international community. "This year's water forum isn't just where we discuss and present solutions. It places an emphasis on the value of action," she added.
President Park also said that Korea plans to launch the Daegu-Gyeongbuk World Water Week to continue to support the twin hosts of this water conference. It will also systematically establish World Water Partnerships with past water forum host nations.
President Park said, "Korea is surrounded by many mountains and two thirds of the nation's precipitation falls in the summer, hence the nation is considered somewhat difficult in terms of water management. Korea has strived to develop decent water management skills and they have become a solid foundation of the nation's rapid economic development, providing a supply of abundant water across the nation. The traditional management skills combined with high-tech information and communications technology has brought us the power to exceed our previous limits."
She emphasized that if new approaches are based on creative ideas and on science and technology, people would be able to create a new industry.
President Park also asked for substantive participation by and contributions from the international community for water-related problems. She suggested that forum participants pursue international cooperation whereby developed and developing economies can share their experiences and skills. She also suggested that participants should establish a close partnership with international organizations, such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Green Growth Institute.
There will be over 400 sessions during the forum. The "Thematic Process" and "Science and Technology Process" will take place in Daegu, while the "Regional and Political Process" and the "Citizens & Youth Forum" will take place in Gyeongju. The "Science and Technology Process," established at the suggestion of Korea, offers a total of 38 sessions related to effective water management and the reuse of waste water.
*Please click the attached PDF file to see more details about the forum.
By Wi Tack-whan, Lee Seung-ah
Photos: Cheong Wa Dae
Korea.net Staff Writer
whan23@korea.kr
President Park Geun-hye gives her congratulatory address during the opening ceremony for the seventh Water Forum in Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province, on April 12.
During the opening address, President Park emphasized the need for participation and contributions from the international community to utilize innovative science and technology to ease water-related conflicts worldwide and to move forward into an era of reconciliation and cooperation.
She continued to say that, "We plan to create a dialogue channel for the co-management of rivers passing through the two Koreas. During this forum, participants will present solutions for global water-related challenges, through which we will bring forward a peaceful world."
President Park also noted that most water-related conflicts tend to occur along waterways shared by a number of regions. It's important to manage such shared waterways more wisely, she emphasized.
President Park Geun-hye (seventh from left) celebrates the opening of the World Water Forum along with other key figures, on April 12.
She also said that, "The 20th century was often referred to as an era of 'black gold.' The 21st century, however, will be an era of 'blue gold,' represented by water. Both developed and developing economies should approach the problem as a new opportunity for economic growth." She went on to say that water-related issues cannot be solved by specific regions alone, but only by the international community. "This year's water forum isn't just where we discuss and present solutions. It places an emphasis on the value of action," she added.
President Park also said that Korea plans to launch the Daegu-Gyeongbuk World Water Week to continue to support the twin hosts of this water conference. It will also systematically establish World Water Partnerships with past water forum host nations.
President Park said, "Korea is surrounded by many mountains and two thirds of the nation's precipitation falls in the summer, hence the nation is considered somewhat difficult in terms of water management. Korea has strived to develop decent water management skills and they have become a solid foundation of the nation's rapid economic development, providing a supply of abundant water across the nation. The traditional management skills combined with high-tech information and communications technology has brought us the power to exceed our previous limits."
She emphasized that if new approaches are based on creative ideas and on science and technology, people would be able to create a new industry.
President Park also asked for substantive participation by and contributions from the international community for water-related problems. She suggested that forum participants pursue international cooperation whereby developed and developing economies can share their experiences and skills. She also suggested that participants should establish a close partnership with international organizations, such as the Green Climate Fund and the Global Green Growth Institute.
There will be over 400 sessions during the forum. The "Thematic Process" and "Science and Technology Process" will take place in Daegu, while the "Regional and Political Process" and the "Citizens & Youth Forum" will take place in Gyeongju. The "Science and Technology Process," established at the suggestion of Korea, offers a total of 38 sessions related to effective water management and the reuse of waste water.
President Park Geun-hye visits a booth prepared by the Korea Water Resources Corporation and listens to an explanation about current water issues, at the Daegu Exhibition and Convention Center on April 12.
*Please click the attached PDF file to see more details about the forum.
By Wi Tack-whan, Lee Seung-ah
Photos: Cheong Wa Dae
Korea.net Staff Writer
whan23@korea.kr
