Responding to global change: Accessing water for the common good

This year’s theme recognises that access to goods and services produced from water is not only a matter of availability, but also of effective water management, adequate supply and services, sound policies and budget allocation. The 2009 World Water Week will discuss approaches, mechanisms and financial options that can lead the way to sustainable demand management and allocation strategies. We will also look into available options for dealing with water scarcity, such as water storage, green and blue water management, interbasin transfers and trade in water-intense products and services.

In focus

In line with the 2009 World Water Day theme, there will be a special focus on Transboundary Waters. Though allocation and management of shared water resources can be politically challenging, transboundary waters provide an opportunity for cooperation between nations, sectors and communities. At the Opening Day Plenary, the High Level Panel featuring distinguished experts and policy makers in the field will set the stage for the numerous sessions throughout the week that will collectively explore the possibilities for benefit sharing and the revitalisation of international agreements.