In March 2009 the fifth World Water Forum will take place in Istanbul. Over the last 12 years, the World Water Fora have grown to be major events, connecting all stakeholders on water. In 2009, around 15000 people are expected to attend again, combining politicians, businesses and NGO’s to find solutions to attain sustainable water use under the overarching theme “Bridging divides for Water”. More information on the Forum is available at the website.

The programme of the Forum has been divided in six main themes - which are listed in the first announcement – as well as a political process, which includes sessions on “Climate Change”, “Sanitation” and “Local Finance”. The programme is designed to culminate in a clear set of recommendations and commitments for action.

To prepare for this Forum a thematic as well as a regional process is set up and thematic and regional coordinators have been selected. The thematic coordinators will form consortia to develop their respective theme, topics and sessions. Seeing that issues differ across regions, the regional coordinators will develop these themes in their regional context and provide region-specific input into the Forum.

The organisational committee of the Forum has asked the European Water Partnership (EWP) to be the regional coordinator for Europe. We will take up this role to achieve the best representation possible of European issues and solutions and make sure all stakeholders will be represented, working especially to make sure European business and politicians are represented as well. The process will build on existing initiatives and results from the previous Forum in Mexico.

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