From 16-22 March the fifth World Water Forum (www.worldwaterforum5.org) took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Over 25000 stakeholders from 192 countries, representing governments, business, NGO’s and research organisation took part in over a 100 thematic sessions, as well as side-events, cultural events, bilateral meetings, etc.

Logo of the ERP

For the preparation of the European Regional Process Forum, the initiative processes within regions have been set up in five regions of the world. These comprised of Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe and the regions around Turkey. This extensive spanning within regions show the involvement of various groups within the European Regional Process Forum regardless of boundaries, cultures and races. The European Water Partnership had the privilege to take the role of European Regional Coordinator for managing the activities within Europe regarding this forum.

Starting in February 2008 the EWP initiated an open and inclusive process, bringing together hundreds of organisations from all regions and stakeholders in Europe, focusing to create progress on finding sustainable solutions on eight major water challenges.

1. Future of Water in Europe
2. Climate Change and Adaptation
3. Water for Energy, Energy for Water
4. Basin Management and Transboundary Cooperation
5. Finance
6. Sanitation
7. Water Scarcity and Droughts
8. Water Science and Technologies

Right at the start of the European Regional Process (ERP) it was agreed that the Process shouldn’t just work towards the Forum and terminate there. The Forum shouldn’t be the end-goal of the Process, but rather a tool to achieve progress on existing initiatives.

Therefore, although the Forum was a very important milestone and saw the presentation of the European Regional Document, as well as the European Regional Pavilion and the European Regional Session, the Process will continue after the Forum. These web-pages will be constantly updated with future activities.

EWP – contact: Harro Riedstra (h.riedstra@ewp.eu)