4th World Water Forum

Last Wednesday, the 4th World Water Forum ended in Mexico. Oddly enough, the forum was surrounded by protests against globalization and, perhaps much more relevant, against the privatization of water. At News a la Mexicana, we will recap the results of this week, where worl leaders and legislators met to talk about the most important natrual resource in the world: water.

The Mexico City declaration resolved:

1. Water and sanitation will be priorities for all development and poverty erradication strategies.
2. To reduce in 2015 by half the number of people who do not have access to drinking water.
3. To enhance sustainability of ecosystems and embrace innovative water management projects.
4. To support the UN as the coordinator for water management change.
5. The responsibility of providing access to water and sanitation in a sustainable way is the Government's who should seek funding support to meet the goals set out for 2015.
6. To support policies that lead to lessening water related disasters.
7. To use the newly launched web based decision suport system to promote reaching the 2015 goal and to share information with other international Water bodies.
8. To meet again in 2008.
   

I note the important distinction that it was agreed that it was the role and should be the priority of the government to continue to manage water related issues for their people. This should lead to a non politicized use of water, because of course, if corporations (aka privatization) are not allowed to participate in the name of profit, then governments should also not participate in the name of political capital.

I think we can all work and do our part to care for water and foment that our countries reach the lofty goal set for 2015. It's the government's role, but the government is made by us. You can read the full declaration at: http://www.worldwaterforum4.org.mx/files/decministerial_ing.pdf

Tags: International, In the News, World Water Forum