INTERNATIONAL FRESHWATER FORUM TO BE HELD IN DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN 29 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER

INTERNATIONAL FRESHWATER FORUM TO BE HELD IN DUSHANBE,

TAJIKISTAN 29 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER

NEW YORK, 21 August (DESA) -- The Government of Tajikistan, which introduced the General Assembly resolution proclaiming 2003 as the International Year of Freshwater, is organizing the Dushanbe International Freshwater Forum from 29 August to 1 September 2003.  Tajikistan is hosting this major event under the broader theme of “Water, Environment and Security”.  The Forum will feature plenary sessions with presentations by highly recognized speakers, panel discussions, a high level/ministerial segment, technical working group meetings, a number of side events with presentations by international and national organizations and non-governmental organizations, and a “World of Water” exhibition presenting the accomplishments of countries, international organizations and private enterprises in the field of water.  The following themes will be discussed during the Forum:

-- Water and interstate cooperation;

-- Water, health and sanitation;

-- Water conservation and productivity in agriculture; and

-- Information sharing for strengthening water partnership.

The United Nations Secretary-General has designated Anwarul Chowdhury, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States to represent him at the Forum.  The Government of Tajikistan has invited government officials from different continents, key water specialists and experts and representatives of international and non-governmental organizations to participate in the Forum.  The National Organizing Committee and the National Working Group have developed a website, www.freshwaterforum.org, which contains the Forum Programme and other information relevant for participants.

For more information contact:  Manuel Dengo, Division for Sustainable Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), tel.: 212-963-4208.

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